A growing number of South African-founded startups and SMEs operating internationally, particularly those incorporated in the US, are finding themselves unexpectedly locked out of the global financial system, as traditional banks tighten compliance controls and retreat from emerging market exposure.
Despite being legally domiciled in the US these businesses, many with teams, suppliers, or operations across Africa, are increasingly facing account restrictions, payment delays, or outright closures. For South African founders building globally competitive businesses, this has translated into operational disruption, increased costs and a growing reliance on fragmented workarounds to move money across borders.
This shift has created a critical gap in the market: businesses that are structurally global, but unable to access banking infrastructure that reflects how they actually operate. As more South African startups expand into international markets, while maintaining operational ties to Africa, the need for financial partners that understand both environments is becoming more urgent.
Verto, a global cross-border payments platform specialising in emerging markets, is stepping into this gap with the launch of global business accounts with named USD accounts, designed specifically for companies operating between the US and emerging markets.
For many businesses incorporated in states like Delaware, Wyoming and Illinois, a common route for South African startups looking to access global capital, accessing stable and reliable banking has become a key barrier to growth. Transactions linked to African markets are often flagged due to a lack of contextual understanding by traditional providers, even when tied to legitimate business activities such as payroll, supplier payments or investment flows.
“Too many globally-minded businesses are being treated as high-risk simply because they operate across borders,” said Ola Oyetayo, CEO at Verto. “This is particularly relevant for South African companies expanding globally, who need infrastructure that supports both their international ambitions and their operational realities at home.”
Through its latest offering, Verto enables businesses to open named USD accounts in their company name, providing the domestic credibility required to receive funds from US customers, partners and investors while seamlessly supporting transactions across African markets.
Unlike traditional banks that often restrict transactions involving emerging market corridors, Verto combines US and emerging market compliance expertise to ensure legitimate cross-border activity is understood and processed efficiently, reducing the risk of sudden account freezes or payment blocks.
For founders, this removes the need to rely on multiple payment platforms, intermediaries or costly workarounds to manage international cash flow – a challenge frequently faced by South African businesses scaling beyond local borders. Instead, businesses can move funds between USD and local currencies more efficiently, supporting everything from payroll to supplier payments and investment flows.
Verto’s platform supports transactions in more than 48 currencies and is built to handle high-volume, cross-border activity, including bulk payments and local settlement across key African markets, including South Africa. With over eight years of experience and $25 billion in annual transaction volume, the company has established itself as a key partner for businesses navigating complex international payment environments.
As traditional financial institutions continue to take a more cautious approach to emerging market exposure, the rise of specialised, context-aware solutions signals a shift in how South African and other globally-minded businesses access and manage cross-border finance.
*Verto’s US Account services are provided by VertoFX INC (Delaware MTL: 041774, Wyoming MTL: 7374, Illinois MTL: MT.0000513) in partnership with Verto FX LTD and Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB).
