Currency conversion and the settlement of international payments have undergone a significant evolution. This article explores how global merchants can actually benefit from all this evolution, especially when processing and selling in emerging markets. And of course, I’ll also share a bit about how Beeteller assists global merchants in optimizing financial management within emerging markets through a multi-channel, multi-currency settlement infrastructure.

FX costs go beyond the rates

The expansion of cross-border e-commerce into emerging markets is a well-established trend. In Latin America, for instance, international trade is projected to grow by 24% annually until 2027, outpacing domestic market growth (19%).

However, meeting this demand involves more than just offering local payment options. Efficient settlement also matters—that is, the process of transferring collected funds abroad quickly, securely, and preferably in the merchant's desired currency.

Receiving funds in a currency that aligns with the finance team's needs is not merely a matter of convenience; it's a core treasury strategy. It streamlines processes, avoids unnecessary currency conversions, and strengthens financial control.

Multicurrency settlement: empowering your treasury

Many businesses still adhere to the standard model of settling payments in US dollars (USD). However, this often leads to inefficient workflows involving multiple conversions—for instance, BRL → USD → EUR—which can escalate costs and increase exposure to currency fluctuations.

With Beeteller, merchants gain the flexibility to receive funds in the currency best suited to their financial planning, whether it be USD, EUR, or others. Our infrastructure also enables the application of currency protection mechanisms to mitigate risks and safeguard profit margins, freeing clients from concerns about market volatility.

A practical example: Consider a european company that sells to customers in Brazil and collects payments in Brazilian Real (BRL) but prefers settlement in Euro (EUR). With Beeteller:

1. The consumer pays in BRL using Pix, a local card, or another regional payment method.

2. Beeteller processes the transaction within Brazil, handles the currency conversion, and executes the remittance through the most suitable channel.

3. The merchant receives the funds in EUR, without requiring additional steps and with complete transparency throughout the process.

How Beeteller achieves this

Our multi-channel settlement solution is designed to cater to diverse business profiles and local realities, utilizing three primary rails:

1. SWIFT The most widely used system globally for international bank transfers. With reach in over 200 countries and connections to more than 11,000 institutions, it ensures security and reliability for large transaction volumes.

   Time: up to 3 business days.

   
   

2. SML – Local Currency Payment System Ideal for operations between Brazil and Mercosur countries, this system allows for settlements with reduced costs and greater predictability, using the Brazilian Real (BRL) and the local currency of the trading partner.

   Time: up to 2 business days.

   
   

3. Blockchain This technology is applied to expedite the delivery of funds, proving especially useful for instant settlements and providing access to less common currencies with high operational efficiency.

   Time: up to 2 business days.

   
   

   Beeteller advantage

What makes Beeteller's settlement process distinctive is the fusion of flexibility, advanced technology, and in-depth local knowledge. We operate with various remittance rails, tailoring each process to the specific geographical and regulatory characteristics, as well as liquidity availability in the markets we serve.

Furthermore, our solutions encompass:

• Integrated currency protection to minimize the impact of volatility.

• Rapid fund delivery—with options for instant settlement or within 3 days.

• Compliance with both local and international regulatory standards.

• Consultative customer service, offering personalized support for every type of operation.

Settlement as a strategic lever

For businesses operating globally, particularly in emerging markets, international settlement should not be a bottleneck. On the contrary, with the right solution, it transforms into a strategic lever for the treasury, reducing costs, simplifying workflows, and offering greater control over financial resources.

At Beeteller, we believe that the power of choice in settlement is essential for our partners to grow with security and agility. We are ready to build smarter, more efficient flows for your international operation.