If you have ever made a cross-border payment, the chances are that you found it frustrating or costly. Well, thanks to revolutionary technology, that is all starting to change.
Blockchains have been around for a long time, and although they were once seen as potentially dangerous because of their decentralized nature, many banks are starting to see their potential.
Cross-border payments are one area where blockchain technology has truly shown us what it can do. If you are hoping to learn more about this incredible system and how it has influenced global transactions, then stick around.
In this article, we will explain what blockchains are and how they are being utilized to enhance cross-border payments. Let’s get started!
The Challenges with Cross-border Payments
Cross-border payments are simply transactions that occur between buyers and sellers in different countries. They are also used on various online platforms, such as gambling sites. If someone wanted to use bet777 from another country, for example, they would have to move funds over using a cross-border payment.
While it may sound easy enough, these transactions typically involve many intermediaries. Each one will charge a fee for their services, making these payments costly. To make matters worse, they are time-consuming to process, with an average wait time of two to five business days.
In addition, there are also problems with transparency. Each intermediary will handle its part of the transaction privately, which means that tracking the funds in real time is next to impossible. This leaves room for errors, ultimately deterring people from conducting international transactions.
Enter Blockchain Technology
If you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, blockchain technology is a revolutionary system that offers efficiency, affordable transactions, and lightning-fast processing.
Unlike traditional banking systems, there are no intermediaries involved, and funds move directly from the buyer to the seller. This means that transaction fees are much lower, and money can be transferred from one country to another quickly.
The time difference is incredible. While you would typically wait two to five business days for a traditional cross-border payment, blockchain technology allows the transaction to be completed in a matter of minutes or even seconds!
Why Blockchains Are a Suitable Solution
Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits blockchains offer for cross-border payments.
1.  Efficiency and Speed
For many people, getting money to an international seller quickly is important. Take sports betting, for example. In many cases, being able to place strategically timed wagers on the outcome of a game can contribute to a bettor’s success.
However, this can be challenging using traditional payment methods. Fortunately, blockchain transactions are processed almost instantaneously, offering efficiency and convenience.
2.  Transparency
As we mentioned earlier on in this article, traditional cross-border payments are processed by intermediaries. They typically handle their part of the process privately, and keeping track of what’s going on is impossible.
In a blockchain, all transactions are permanent, immutable, and transparent. This kind of traceability contributes to fewer disputes and user confidence, which is particularly beneficial for banks.
3.  Protection Against Fraud
Because conventional cross-border payments must pass through many hands before reaching their destination, there is much room for fraudulent activity. However, this is not the case with blockchains.
Thanks to advanced cryptographic techniques and a decentralized network, transactions cannot be altered. What’s more, multiple nodes verify each transaction, making it nearly impossible for a fraudster to commit fraud.
4.  Affordability
Since there will be no middleman when conducting international payments, users can enjoy more affordable transactions. This is a game-changer for banks and other financial institutions, as they will be able to offer more competitive services to their customers.
Ripple Blockchain and Its Use in International Transactions
Although this may seem like futuristic technology, blockchains are nothing new. They have been around for many years now and are becoming more widely adopted by financial institutions.
One blockchain that has been designed especially for cross-border payments is Ripple. This network was established in 2012. To ensure the smooth transfer of money across countries, it has partnered with a number of leading banks worldwide.
Its native currency, XRP, is used to facilitate transactions, offering quick and seamless cross-border payments.
In addition to Ripple, other blockchains, such as Stellar, are also used to conduct international payment transfers. It offers a low-cost solution to those hoping to transfer money to an international seller.
The Future of Blockchain Technology in Cross-border Payments
Because of the many benefits these networks provide, it is unlikely that they will go out of fashion any time soon. In fact, the use of this technology will probably increase, allowing people around the world to give and receive money with greater ease and at a more affordable price.
It’s important to note that banks often experience high transaction volumes, which is something many blockchains may struggle with. To overcome this issue, these networks are actively working on their scalability, so it is likely that we will see improvements soon.
This will likely lead to this technology becoming more widely adopted by banks around the world.
Other innovations, such as the proposed use of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), are expected to use blockchains to allow for smoother cross-border transactions.
As a result, we may see a blend of digital currencies, blockchain technology, and traditional banking systems in the future. These hybrid systems will likely combine the benefits of each technology to make cross-border payments more affordable, cheaper, and more accessible than ever.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, blockchain technology offers much promise for banking institutions around the world. It is likely that these networks will become more widely adopted over the coming years.
They facilitate faster transactions, lower fees, and greater efficiency, ensuring that the task of transferring money to a seller in another country is a much better experience.
And, if you are looking for an immersive online casino that supports cryptocurrencies and encourages blockchain technology, then look no further than bet777. Sign up for an account today and take advantage of fast cross-border payments to enjoy your favorite online game!
