How do cross-border B2B payments work?
Cross-border B2B payments are transfers of funds between businesses in different countries — for example, an importer paying an overseas supplier. Traditionally they move through correspondent banking networks, where each intermediary bank adds time, fees, and FX spread, so a single payment can take several days to clear. In currency-restricted markets, USD shortages add further delays on top.
The friction comes from the correspondent banking model. A bank that does not have a direct relationship with the recipient's bank routes the payment through one or more intermediaries, each performing its own checks and taking a cut. The sender often cannot see where the money is or when it will arrive.
For businesses in Africa and Latin America, this is compounded by limited access to dollars, so even a correctly-routed payment can sit waiting for currency to be allocated.
Modern alternatives settle the dollar leg through specialized liquidity providers and licensed partners, converting to local currency on arrival. Artoh delivers fast, compliant settlement — typically within 24 hours — for businesses that the traditional system underserves.