Call for Papers: Developments in cross-border payments
A Special Issue of Journal of Payments Strategy & Systems
Gijs Boudewijn, Editor, Journal of Payments Strategy & Systems
Holti Banka, Special Issue Editor, Journal of Payments Strategy & Systems and World Bank
Submission deadline: 29th May 2026
Introduction
Cross-border payments are a critical enabler of global trade, investment, remittances and economic integration. Corporates, financial institutions, public authorities and consumers increasingly expect international payments to be as fast, transparent, predictable and cost-efficient as domestic transactions. However, cross-border payments remain complex, fragmented and relatively expensive, due to differences in legal frameworks, currencies, market infrastructures, operating hours, compliance requirements and legacy correspondent banking models.
Recent developments are reshaping the cross-border payments landscape. These include: (1) the rise of fast payments and 24×7 payment systems; (2) renewed attention to correspondent banking efficiency; (3) the emergence of new non-bank payment service providers; (4) advances in messaging standards (such as ISO 20022); (5) the use of APIs and cloud-based platforms; and (6) experimentation with tokenisation, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies. At the same time, regulators and international bodies are pushing for safer, faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments, most notably through the G20 roadmap for enhancing cross-border payments. This roadmap, which was developed in close cooperation with the BIS and FSB, increases both opportunities and challenges for market participants.
This special issue, which is put forward in collaboration with the World Bank, explores how the payments industry, regulators and end-users are responding to these developments and what this means for the future of cross-border payments.
Call for Papers
This special issue of the Journal of Payments Strategy & Systems (JPSS) on Developments in cross-border payments aims to present thought-provoking contributions and practical insights for all stakeholders in the global payments ecosystem. The papers in this issue are also intended to stimulate discussion and knowledge exchange within the broader subject areas covered by JPSS.
Submissions addressing any of the topics below will be considered. Contributions on related or emerging themes are also very welcome.
1.Cross-border payments challenges and developments for:
- Global corporates engaged in international B2B trade and supply chains
- Merchants and platforms serving international consumers (e-commerce, travel, digital services)
- Banks active in correspondent banking, transaction banking and trade finance
- Non-bank payment service providers, fintechs and payment institutions
- Remittance providers and money service businesses
- Public sector organisations involved in international payments, aid, development finance or tax collection
- Central banks and international financial institutions
2. Specific cross-border payments topics, including:
- Correspondent banking models, de-risking and access to cross-border payment services
- Speed, transparency and cost of cross-border payments and fee structures
- Foreign exchange (FX) management, pricing and liquidity implications
- Messaging standards (including ISO 20022) and interoperability between payment systems
- Compliance, AML/CFT requirements and their impact on cross-border payment flows
- Regulatory initiatives and international policy coordination affecting cross-border payments, including the G20 roadmap for enhancing cross-border payments
- Infrastructure developments supporting 24×7, fast and cross-currency payments
- The role of APIs, cloud solutions and platform-based models in cross-border payments
- Digital currencies, stablecoins, tokenisation and their potential impact on cross-border payments
- Risk management, resilience and operational continuity in international payment chains
Submission Guidelines:
The deadline for the submission of articles to this special issue is 29th May 2026.
The following types of papers will be considered for publication:
- Practice articles: Thought leadership pieces, regulatory updates, market analyses and practitioner perspectives relevant to cross-border payments. Articles should be 2,000 to 5,000 words in length.
- Research papers: Academic or applied research exploring new models, frameworks or empirical insights related to cross-border payments. Submissions should clearly articulate the practical and policy implications of the research. Articles should be up to 6,000 words in length.
Author guidelines, sample articles and further information about the journal can be found on the journal’s website.
Authors are encouraged to submit proposals for papers as early as possible. Questions and proposals should be directed to the Editors, Gijs Boudewijn and Holti Banka, and the Publisher, Julie Kerry.