Bir & Paysend launch international transfers in Azerbaijan

Bir has partnered with Paysend to launch international money transfers in Azerbaijan through its m10 mobile wallet.

Wallet users can send funds from their phones to more than 140 countries and territories, extending Bir's services into cross-border payments for the first time. The addition brings an international function to an ecosystem that already includes banking, payments and eCommerce services in Azerbaijan.

The launch comes as digital payments and online commerce gain wider use in the country. Bir's ecosystem reaches about half of Azerbaijan's population, or more than 5 million users, through brands including Birbank, Birmarket, Milliön and m10.

International transfers are often used to send money to relatives abroad, pay expenses in other countries or manage spending while travelling. By adding this feature to m10, Bir aims to keep those transactions within its existing consumer finance platform rather than lose them to standalone remittance services or bank branches.

Growing market

Azerbaijan has seen a broader shift towards digital financial services as mobile payments and eCommerce move further into the mainstream. That creates an opening for platforms that can combine domestic payment tools with international services in a single app.

Bir was launched to bring together several established consumer brands under one digital ecosystem. It offers everyday banking through Birbank, shopping through Birmarket, payment terminals under the Milliön brand and wallet services through m10, alongside partnerships in areas including online marketplaces and transport payments.

Paysend, based in the UK, operates a global payments network focused on cross-border transactions. It says it serves more than 11 million customers in over 170 countries and connects a range of payment rails, including cards, wallets, instant payment systems and local bank transfer networks.

The partnership gives Bir access to Paysend's international network while giving Paysend another route into the South Caucasus market. For Bir, the arrangement expands the practical use of m10 beyond domestic purchases and transfers.

Jalal Orujov, Chief Executive Officer of Payments at Bir, said:

"International transfers are a critical service for users in Azerbaijan. By expanding Bir's cross-border payment capabilities with Paysend, we are bringing the speed and simplicity of local transactions to international payments. This strengthens Bir's role as a fast-growing financial ecosystem and supports Azerbaijan's digital transformation, reinforcing its position as a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia. Faster, more secure and more inclusive connectivity is helping build a more integrated regional digital economy."

Cross-border push

For consumers, international transfers have become an increasingly important part of digital finance as people expect mobile access to services that once required a visit to a bank or money transfer outlet. In markets where app-based banking is expanding, cross-border payments can also increase customer engagement by keeping more financial activity within a single platform.

Bir indicated that instant international transfers through m10 could encourage wider use of other parts of its ecosystem, including current accounts, shopping and payments. The strategy reflects a wider trend among financial technology groups seeking to bring multiple services together so users rely on one account or app for a broader range of daily transactions.

Paysend's role underlines the continued importance of partnerships between local consumer platforms and international payments specialists. Rather than build cross-border networks from scratch, regional finance groups often work with established operators that already have access to settlement systems, card schemes and payout channels across multiple markets.

Danny May, Head of Enterprise at Paysend, said:

"To succeed in today's interconnected economy, businesses need access to reliable, scalable and globally connected payment infrastructure. We're delighted to partner with Bir to help expand access to cross-border payments across more than 140 countries and territories. Together, we're enabling faster, more seamless money movement that supports consumers while helping drive greater financial connectivity worldwide."

The agreement marks another step in Bir's effort to widen the range of services available through its ecosystem in Azerbaijan, adding international transfers to its domestic banking, commerce and payment products.