Fixing cross-border payments doesn’t have to be complicated. At least, not according to Mahmoud Abuebeid. The Jordan-based entrepreneur and fintech expert believes that with the right mindset, tools, and understanding of the problems, making international payments seamless is easier than most people think.
Abuebeid, who’s worked across multiple financial sectors, has been vocal about how outdated many cross-border payment systems are—and why that must change soon. In a world moving fast toward digital-first solutions, he says, cross-border transactions can’t afford to be left behind.
Why Cross-Border Payments Are Still a Big Problem
Cross-border payments are essential to global trade, business, and even personal finance. Yet, many people still face problems like high fees, long processing times, currency conversion delays, and lack of transparency.
“Right now, if you try to send money to another country, you often deal with a slow and costly process,” Abuebeid explains. “The system is full of unnecessary middlemen. Everyone takes a small cut, and the customer loses.”
Whether it’s a small business sending money to a supplier or a family member sending support home, the frustration is real—and growing.
The Fintech Opportunity to Fix Cross-Border Payments
Abuebeid sees a major opportunity for fintech companies to step in and solve these issues. According to him, the technology already exists—what’s missing is the will to disrupt the old way of doing things.
“Fintech firms can bypass the legacy systems banks are still using. They can build faster, smarter payment rails,” he says. “We’re talking about blockchain, digital wallets, instant transfers—this is the future.”
He points to companies already exploring these technologies to cut down on transfer times from days to minutes and reduce fees by eliminating middlemen.
Regulations Can Help or Hurt Progress
One of the biggest challenges in fixing cross-border payments is dealing with global regulations. Each country has its own rules on money movement, which can slow down progress or even block innovation.
“Compliance is necessary, of course,” Abuebeid says. “But too much red tape can kill innovation before it even starts. What we need are smart, balanced regulations that support growth while keeping the financial system safe.”
He adds that governments and regulators need to work with tech companies, not against them, if they truly want to help people and businesses.
A Human-Centered Approach to Financial Innovation
What sets Abuebeid apart is his human-first perspective. He believes fixing cross-border payments isn’t just about technology—it’s about helping people live better, easier lives.
“Think about the migrant worker sending money home, or the small startup trying to grow internationally,” he says. “These people shouldn’t suffer because old systems are broken. That’s why I do what I do.”
He insists that any solution must be built with real users in mind, especially those in developing markets who rely on every dollar they send or receive.
Lessons From Experience: Keep It Simple
Abuebeid’s advice for others in the space? Keep it simple.
“People often overcomplicate the problem,” he says. “But the best solutions come when you focus on the user experience. Make it faster. Make it cheaper. Make it transparent.”
He believes many startups fail because they chase buzzwords like “AI” and “blockchain” without actually solving a user problem. For him, simplicity and efficiency will always win.
The Role of Blockchain in Fixing Cross-Border Payments
When asked about blockchain’s role, Abuebeid acknowledges its potential but warns against hype.
“Yes, blockchain can make a big difference in cross-border payments,” he says. “It offers security, speed, and cost reduction. But it has to be applied correctly. Don’t use it just to sound innovative.”
He explains that blockchain’s decentralized nature can help cut out middlemen, reduce fraud, and even increase access in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
The Need for Financial Literacy and Trust
Another piece of the puzzle, according to Abuebeid, is building financial literacy and trust.
“You can have the best technology in the world, but if people don’t understand or trust it, they won’t use it,” he says. “We need to educate users about their options.”
He believes more fintech companies should invest in user education and transparent communication to gain long-term loyalty and scale effectively.
The Future: Frictionless, Borderless, and Instant
Looking ahead, Abuebeid sees a world where cross-border payments are frictionless, borderless, and nearly instant.
“It won’t happen overnight,” he says. “But we’re moving toward a future where people can send and receive money across borders as easily as sending a text message.”
He’s optimistic that with the right mix of innovation, regulation, and customer focus, the system can—and will—change for the better.
Conclusion: It’s Not Rocket Science, But It Matters
Fixing cross-border payments may not be rocket science, as Mahmoud Abuebeid likes to say, but it is one of the most urgent financial problems of our time. And it affects billions of people every day.
With the right tools, mindset, and user-first approach, Abuebeid believes we’re closer than ever to solving it. And in doing so, unlocking economic opportunities for businesses, families, and communities around the world.
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