Thunes and WireBarley Launch Real-Time Payment Solution for 1.1 Million Users Across Asia and Beyond

The alliance redefines B2B and consumer capital flows for South Korea’s surging $7.45B remittance market, establishing a high-speed digital corridor between North Asia and the global economy.

Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, announced a strategic collaboration with WireBarley, a rapidly growing Asia-Pacific payment platform. The alliance represents a shared commitment to digital transformation and will fuel WireBarley’s international expansion. Together, Thunes and WireBarley will provide real-time, seamless cross-border payments for businesses and individuals living abroad across major corridors, including South Korea, the U.S., Australia, and Vietnam.

By integrating with Thunes’ Direct Global Network, WireBarley’s 1.1 million users gain access to enhanced payout capabilities and faster remittance services across seven sending countries and 520 payout corridors. Through the connection with WireBarley, Thunes is enabling real-time payments into South Korea.

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Strategic Impact & Market Growth

• Architecting the Future of North Asian Fintech: This alliance establishes a new benchmark for cross-border payment in South Korea’s sophisticated financial market, modernising B2B and consumer capital flow.
• Strengthening Korea’s Fintech Hub: This alliance solidifies Thunes’ presence in South Korea’s sophisticated financial market, facilitating faster B2B and consumer transactions and capital flow both into and out of the country.
• Capturing a High-Growth Market: South Korea’s outbound remittances hit $7.45 billion in 2024. With the digital remittance segment projected to grow at a 16.7% CAGR through 2030, this collaboration positions both companies at the center of the region’s digital finance evolution.
• Mutual Gateway for Growth: This alliance functions as a two-way strategic gateway, providing Thunes with deep localised expertise in South Korea’s sophisticated market while supporting WireBarley’s continued growth as a global player.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO at Thunes, said: “Our collaboration with WireBarley represents a shared strategic vision to remove fragmentation in global money movement. It’s a perfect example of how Thunes’ Direct Global Network can serve as a catalyst for fintech innovation and growth through real-time cross-border money movement. By bridging the gap between South Korea and the rest of the world, we are supporting Thunes’ presence in North Asia and empowering WireBarley to scale their vision of a borderless financial ecosystem.”

John Joongwon Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO of WireBarley, said: “Thunes is a core strategic partner in our mission, built on the strong trust we have developed over the years and our shared commitment to a market-leading spirit. Together, we will deliver game-changing and seamless cross-border payment services in real time across multiple countries and regions, while accelerating our regional presence and strategic business expansion.”