Thunes, a cross-border payments network based in Singapore, and WireBarley, an Asia-Pacific payment platform, have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance real-time cross-border payment solutions across major corridors such as South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Vietnam.
Through integration with Thunes’ Direct Global Network, WireBarley’s user base of over 1.1 million people gains access to improved payout functionalities in seven sending countries and 520 payout routes. The partnership also facilitates real-time payments into South Korea via the Thunes network.
Furthermore, this collaboration supports WireBarley’s expansion efforts by leveraging Thunes’ global payment infrastructure alongside WireBarley’s localized market presence and user base in South Korea and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Market Context and Growth Prospects
South Korea’s outbound remittances amounted to USD 7.45 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 16.7% for the digital remittance sector through 2030, as per Grand View Research. The partnership positions both entities within an environment characterized by high rates of digital adoption, a substantial Korean diaspora across key markets including the US and Australia, and growing demands for faster and more cost-effective international transfers.
For Thunes, this collaboration strengthens its position in North Asia while providing access to WireBarley’s established user base and local expertise within South Korea. For WireBarley, the integration with Thunes’ Direct Global Network expedites corridor coverage and payout capabilities without necessitating separate local integrations for each destination market.
Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO at Thunes, commented that this partnership with WireBarley illustrates how the Direct Global Network can drive fintech innovation through real-time cross-border transactions. John Joongwon Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO of WireBarley, referred to Thunes as a key strategic partner built on mutual trust and shared goals for delivering simplified global payment services.
