Thunes, the Singapore-based payment firm,  announced Tuesday the expansion of its Direct Global Network into Venezuela, one of Latin America’s critical financial corridors.

With this expansion, Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network, including banks, Money Transfer Operators (MTOs), payment service providers and gig economy platforms, can process compliant, real-time transfers directly to millions of bank accounts via Credito Inmediato Interbancario, the local platform enabled for instant interbanking transfers, Thunes said in a statement.

According to the firm, Venezuela represents a critical market for cross-border money movement, where diaspora remittances and international transfers serve as essential economic lifelines for approximately 35 percent of families, local businesses, and freelancers participating in the global digital economy.

In 2025, remittances to Venezuela were estimated at around $6 billion (7 percent of gross domestic product), with about 50 percent originating in the United States.

Thunes’ entry into the market targets key needs in the region. Firstly, fueled gig economy payouts by empowering platforms to pay Venezuelan freelancers instantly in real time.

Secondly, expanded financial inclusion by connecting unbanked and underbanked populations directly to local digital wallets and cash pickup points.

Thirdly, vital remittance lifelines by delivering fast, predictable cross-border support to families reliant on financial support.

“Expanding our real-time payout capabilities to Venezuela marks an important step as we open instant payment reach to more countries across the world. Latin America remains a pivotal growth region for Thunes, and Venezuela’s market demands fast, transparent, and accessible cross-border financial infrastructure,

“By opening this corridor, we empower our Network Members to deliver life-changing financial connectivity to millions of individuals and businesses,” said Alex Young, Chief Network Officer at Thunes.

Ximena Azcuy, Head of Network – Americas at Thunes, said Venezuela represents one of Latin America’s most vital financial corridors, where cross-border transfers provide an essential lifeline for millions of families and an expanding community of digital freelancers.

“By extending our direct real-time payout infrastructure into Venezuela, we are removing friction points and delays, benefiting our Network Members and the end users they serve, exactly when and where it is needed most,” she added.

Thunes’ Venezuelan corridor operates on its proprietary SmartX Treasury System, for optimised liquidity management, and its Fortress Compliance Platform, supported by more than 50 global regulatory licenses, guaranteeing that payment adheres to strict international compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and security standards, said the statement.

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