The return to cash payments is not simply a reaction to technological risks, but a strategic response to international tensions and the rise of cyber threats. In Sweden, where the share of cashless payments exceeded 90%, the government urged businesses to reassess their dependence on electronic payments. COREDO analytics show: banknotes are becoming a reserve asset, especially in crisis conditions when the resilience of the payment system is tested.
In Europe and Asia, companies face the dilemma of whether to hold liquidity in digital assets or return to cash. COREDO’s practice confirms that banknotes provide instant access to funds during banking system failures, communication breakdowns and internet outages. However, storing cash is associated with logistical and legal risks, including security, reporting and AML compliance issues.
Cash storage strategies for businesses
Effective cash storage requires strategic planning. The solution developed at COREDO for international companies includes:
- *Diversification of denominations*: the optimal balance between large and small bills for operational payments.
- *Organization of secured storage points* taking into account corporate security and compliance requirements.
- *Regular inventory audits*: control of compliance with internal policies and requirements of EU and Asian regulators.
- *Providing access to cash* for key employees in emergency situations, including force majeure scenarios.
Client cases from the Czech Republic and Slovakia demonstrate: properly organized cash storage allows for rapid response to crisis events while preserving the financial security of the business.
Digital assets for business: how to accept payments
Alongside the return to cash, the market is experiencing explosive growth in digital assets and cryptocurrencies. In Australia and the US, the share of companies accepting crypto payments exceeded 28% in 2024. In the EU and Singapore, corporate crypto accounts have become the standard for cross-border multi-currency settlements. The decentralization of finance and blockchain payments open new opportunities for liquidity management and reducing dependence on traditional banks.
Nevertheless, the growth of digital assets is accompanied by tightening cryptocurrency regulation, AML and compliance requirements, as well as volatility risks.
Crypto payments for businesses: use cases and benefits
The COREDO team has implemented crypto payment integration projects for companies in the EU, the UK and Singapore. Key advantages include:
- *Revenue growth* through expanding customer geography and new sales channels.
- *Reduction of bank fees* for international transactions.
- *Multicurrency settlements*: the ability to instantly convert digital assets into fiat currency.
- *Liquidity management* – quick access to funds regardless of the operation of banking systems.
COREDO clients note that implementing crypto payments requires a comprehensive approach to cryptocurrency regulation, AML and compliance. Our solutions include transaction audits, digital customer identification and the setup of corporate crypto accounts taking into account the requirements of EU and Asian regulators.
Trends in cashless payments and BNPL 2025
The mass transition to cashless payments, mobile POS terminals and fintech platforms is the key trend of 2025. In China, Australia and the EU, the share of electronic payments in the corporate sector exceeds 85%. BNPL (buy now, pay later) is transforming the structure of corporate expenses, allowing companies to flexibly manage liquidity and optimize cash gaps.
COREDO analytics show: the mass transition to fintech platforms requires a reassessment of risk management strategies and the implementation of new performance metrics for payment solutions.
Practical cases of mobile payment implementations enable businesses to quickly adapt to new market requirements and improve operational efficiency.
Mobile payments for business: implementation experience
The shift in market leaders, from traditional operators (Western Union, MoneyGram) to fintech platforms (Payoneer, Wise, Revolut), has changed the corporate payments landscape. Our experience at COREDO has shown that mobile payments and fintech solutions for businesses allow:
- *Reduce fees* for cross-border transactions.
- *Speed up transactions* and increase process transparency.
- *Adapt to the requirements of international regulators* on AML and compliance.
COREDO’s solutions include audits of fintech infrastructure, implementation of backup channels and employee training in cybersecurity principles.
Fragmentation of payment infrastructure: risks
Global fragmentation of the payment infrastructure: the result of technological innovations, regional regulatory barriers and the growth of alternative payment methods. In Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia, companies face the risks of internet outages, failuredisruptions of banking systems and hyperinflation, which require new liquidity management strategies.
Our solutions include risk audits, development of payment continuity protocols and implementation of alternative payment methods, including P2P transfers and corporate crypto accounts.
Financial resilience during internet and banking outages
To ensure a business’s financial resilience amid payment infrastructure outages, the COREDO team recommends:
- *Diversification of payment instruments*, combining cash, electronic and digital assets.
- *Implementation of backup channels* – local payment gateways, corporate POS terminals, alternative SWIFT solutions.
- *Strategic planning*: regular audits of payment processes, training staff on outage procedures, storing liquidity across multiple jurisdictions.
COREDO client cases from Africa and the EU show: companies that integrated backup payment instruments and outage response protocols maintain operational resilience even when electronic payments are down.
Cash payments and alternative methods by region
The geography of payment preferences remains a key factor for international business. In Asia and Africa, the share of cash transactions remains at 50–70%, despite the growth of fintech solutions. In Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, paper money remains a popular instrument for large corporate deals, which is linked to cultural and economic specifics.
Payment systems of Asia, Africa and Europe
The COREDO team has implemented projects to adapt corporate payments to regional characteristics:
- In Thailand and the Philippines, businesses combine cash transactions with mobile payments to ensure flexibility and resilience.
- In Nigeria and Colombia, companies use reserve assets in the form of paper money and stablecoins to protect against inflation.
- In the EU, the optimal combination is multi-currency settlements, electronic payments and holding part of liquidity in cash.
COREDO’s strategies allow international companies to choose the optimal mix of payment instruments taking into account the geography of operations, regulatory requirements and specifics of customer preferences.
Liquidity management and AML in payments
The growth of digital assets, implementation of BNPL and stablecoins are changing approaches to corporate liquidity management. In the EU and Asia, AML and compliance requirements are tightening, especially for companies dealing with cash and digital assets. COREDO’s solutions include comprehensive audits of payment processes, implementation of digital identification and configuration of corporate crypto accounts.
Stablecoins or multi-currency for payroll?
The question of choosing between stablecoins and fiat currencies for employee payouts is becoming increasingly relevant. The solution developed at COREDO entails:
- *Analysis of regulatory requirements* in each jurisdiction: central bank digital currency (CBDC), digital euro, requirements for multi-currency settlements.
- *Assessment of volatility risks* and legal consequences of implementing stablecoins.
- *Practical recommendations* for integrating stablecoins into corporate payment processes, including configuring corporate crypto accounts and AML compliance and compliance.
Our experience at COREDO has shown that the optimal solution depends on the geography of the business, the structure of corporate expenses and regulatory requirements. In the EU and Singapore, stablecoins are becoming an effective tool for international payments, but they require careful configuration of compliance and digital identification of employees.
Payment trends and business security 2025
2025 is a year of strategic changes in payment systems. The return to cash, growth of digital assets, mass adoption of fintech solutions and fragmentation of the global payment infrastructure require businesses to adopt new approaches to liquidity management, risk and compliance. COREDO’s practice confirms: business financial security is achieved through diversification of payment instruments, strategic planning of payment infrastructure and choosing reliable partners.
COREDO’s solutions enable corporate clients not only to adapt to new payment trends in 2025, but also to shape a sustainable financial security strategy amid international tensions and technological changes.