How are payment APIs reshaping the competitive landscape by allowing smaller players to offer enterprise-level payment experiences?
Hans Tesselaar, Executive Director, BIAN Before diving into the positives, a key point to note is the importance of comprehensive payments engines. Without them, the smaller players will still find themselves trailing behind.
That being said, APIs do go some way to leveling the playing field for SMEs. Regardless of where you’ ve shopped before, and which retailer is set to remember your payment details, checkout can be completed in a matter of seconds. When implemented correctly, it becomes as easy to shop at a new small business as it does a high street retailer.
According to insights from DHL, 59 % of shoppers purchase goods from retailers outside their home country. As crossborder e-commerce sales continue to grow, APIs can enable businesses, including SMEs, to embrace models that facilitate payment from overseas.
This improves their competitive position, enabling customers to choose between SMEs and global retailers, instead of being pushed towards the latter.
Eddie Harrison, Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder, Navro Payment APIs have completely changed the game. They enable fast-growing startups to easily add new markets, payment methods, licences and functionality at a fraction of the cost. By connecting through APIs, much of the complexity associated with managing a global payments operation is removed.
Companies can use these APIs to access the best global payment infrastructure, giving them a competitive edge that was once reserved for the largest corporations and brands.
Ian Campbell, Director of Solutions, Equals Money x Railsr One area that payment APIs have already levelled the playing field is international expansion. Previously, businesses wanting to buy, sell or procure in multiple jurisdictions and currencies, would have to open multiple accounts with multiple banks in order to send and receive funds.
We offer a multi-currency IBAN which enables them to send and receive funds in over 38 currencies all from one account, facilitated through various payment networks like SWIFT and SEPA.
Linked to this is currency hedging, which used to be the preserve of big businesses and governments. APIs are making it accessible to all levels of business. Automating forecasts with real-time data allows finance teams to anticipate liquidity needs and align cash strategy with business planning. Given the pace of market changes at the moment, this is invaluable.
104 October 2025