30 Leading Companies to Watch in Asia 2026

We’re Driving the Future of Payments in a World Where Traditional Finance is Disrupted and On-Demand is the New Norm: Prajit Nanu, CEO of Nium

Our cutting-edge payments infrastructure empowers anyone, anywhere to make and receive payments instantly, no matter the location or currency.

By SBR
March 9, 2026 8:23 PM Updated March 9, 2026
Prajit Nanu, Founder & CEO, Nium Photo by SBR

Prajit Nanu, Founder & CEO, Nium


Global commerce depends on the ability to move money between countries without delays. Digital financial technology companies developed infrastructure that allows businesses to send and receive funds through integrated platforms rather than relying only on traditional bank transfers.

Nium is one such company. The Singapore-based financial technology firm focuses on cross-border payments and embedded financial services for global businesses. The company began operations in 2014 under the name Instarem as a remittance service and later expanded into enterprise payment infrastructure.

The business gradually shifted from consumer remittance toward payment services for banks, fintech companies and large enterprises. Organizations required payment systems that could operate across many countries and currencies while reducing delays that often affect international banking transfers.

Nium developed a digital platform that connects companies to global payment networks through a single technical integration. This infrastructure allows businesses to send funds to partners, suppliers and customers across multiple regions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company later adopted the name Nium as enterprise payment services became the main focus of its business.

Payment Services for Global Transactions

International business transactions often involve multiple banking systems, regulatory frameworks and currencies. Nium developed a platform that allows organizations to manage these transactions through digital systems connected to global payment rails.

The platform allows businesses to send payouts in more than 100 currencies and deliver funds to recipients across more than 190 countries. Companies use these services to pay suppliers, contractors or employees located in different regions.

Organizations can also receive funds through the same infrastructure. Businesses operating across several markets collect payments from customers and partners without building independent banking relationships in every jurisdiction.

Card issuing services represent another important function of the platform. Businesses issue physical or virtual payment cards to employees or contractors across multiple countries. These cards support corporate expense programs, travel spending and other operational payments.

Financial technology firms and digital businesses can also integrate payment functions into their own products. Through application programming interfaces, companies embed payment capabilities directly within their platforms. Marketplaces, travel companies and payroll providers often integrate such services to manage financial transactions inside their digital systems.

Regulatory Reach and Partnerships

Global payment infrastructure requires regulatory approval across many jurisdictions. Payment providers must operate under financial licenses that allow them to process transactions and comply with local regulations.

Nium developed a network of regulatory permissions across several regions. These licenses allow the company to operate payment services in multiple markets and support international transactions for its clients.

This regulatory reach allows businesses to access global payment services without establishing their own licensing frameworks in every country where they operate. Companies connect to the platform and conduct cross border transactions through a single integration.

Partnerships also play an important role in the development of international payment infrastructure. Financial networks, fintech firms and digital platforms integrate payment services to manage transactions across regions.

Nium has worked with several technology and financial organizations to expand payment capabilities. Partnerships with global payment networks support card programs and international transaction processing.

Technology collaborations also introduced new forms of digital payment infrastructure. The company worked with the Stellar Development Foundation to enable payment payouts across nearly 190 countries through blockchain based systems. Such collaborations show how financial technology continues to reshape cross border payments.

Growth Across Global Fintech

The expansion of digital commerce and remote work increased the demand for reliable international payment services. Businesses now operate across several countries while employing staff and contractors in multiple regions.

These operational changes require payment systems that manage transactions across borders without delays. Financial technology platforms now allow companies to conduct global transactions through integrated software systems rather than through manual banking processes.

Nium expanded its global presence while supporting this shift toward digital financial infrastructure. The company maintains offices in several international cities including Singapore, London, San Francisco and Amsterdam.

Investment from global financial institutions has supported the company’s growth. Major investors include Riverwood Capital as well as Singapore sovereign wealth funds Temasek and GIC.

Transaction volumes have grown as more businesses adopt digital payment platforms. Companies that operate across several markets often require systems that allow them to move funds between partners, suppliers and employees located in different regions.

Embedded Finance and Digital Commerce

Embedded finance has become an important development in financial technology. Digital companies integrate financial services directly within their products rather than directing users to external banking providers.

Payment infrastructure companies support this development by providing regulatory and technical systems required for international transactions. Businesses connect to payment networks and integrate financial services within their own platforms.

Through a single platform integration, organizations send payments, receive funds and issue cards through digital systems connected to global payment rails. Marketplaces, travel services and digital commerce platforms often use these capabilities to manage transactions inside their products.

As global commerce expands, payment infrastructure remains essential for companies operating across borders. Businesses require systems that allow money to move between countries while supporting regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Digital payment platforms such as Nium illustrate how financial technology continues to reshape international transactions by linking businesses, financial institutions and customers through global payment networks.

Prajit Nanu, Founder & CEO, Nium

International business transactions often involve multiple banking systems, regulatory frameworks and currencies. Nium developed a platform that allows organizations to manage these transactions through digital systems connected to global payment rails.

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