Mastercard, in collaboration with FNB has announced the launch of Globba, a next-generation cross-border payments solution powered by Mastercard Move that simplifies and secures how South Africans send money abroad.
The solution follows a period of significant growth in payments, which have doubled over the years.
Available through the FNB and RMB Private Banking apps, Globba leverages Mastercard Move, Mastercard’s portfolio of global money movement capabilities, to deliver fast, transparent, and traceable international payments to more than 120 countries.
“Globba represents a powerful platform for inclusion, speed, and transparency. Our customers are Pan-African and globally connected—they value efficiency, security, and innovation. Globba™ delivers on all fronts, enabling seamless cross-border payments that empower lives and families,” said FNB Personal Segment CEO, Lytania Johnson.
“It’s more than a service; it’s a statement of intent, setting the pace for the future of financial connectivity across Africa and beyond,” added Johnson.
Mastercard research shows that in 2022, 59% of South Africans sent cross-border payments to family and friends, rising to 60% in 2024. These payments and remittances play a crucial role in supporting economic resilience across Africa, helping people stay connected.
Globba boosts key remittance corridors like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Ghana, enhancing financial links across borders while offering near-instant transfers to many countries worldwide, reaching bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points.
“Cross-border payments are the cornerstone of Africa’s digital economy, connecting families, fuelling SMEs and supporting regional trade. With Mastercard Move’s innovative solutions, we’re empowering FNB customers with greater choice and flexibility in how they send money—locally and across borders,” said executive vice president of commercial payment flows at Mastercard, Onur Kursun.
“This enhances transparency and builds confidence in cross-border transactions, ensuring South Africans can fully and securely participate in the digital economy.”
Mastercard Move provides direct disbursers, banks, non-bank financial institutions and their customers with fast, secure money transfer solutions, both domestically and internationally.
Its portfolio of solutions reaches more than 200 countries and territories and 150+ currencies, with access to more than 95% of the world’s banked population.
The launch coincides with South Africa’s upcoming G20 Finance Track in November, where the modernization of cross-border payments will be a key focus.
By combining FNB’s trusted customer relationships with Mastercard’s global reach and technology, Globba sets a new benchmark for cross-border innovation, accelerating financial inclusion and connecting South Africans to the global digital economy.
