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April 18, 2025

Simplify Cross-Border Payments with Secure Transactions

5 min read
security

When it comes to cross-border payments, two things matter most: speed and trust. You want your money to move fast and you want to be sure it’s getting where it needs to go, safely.

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But for many businesses operating across borders, payments still feel like a black box. Delays, security concerns, and lack of clarity can slow you down— or worse, cost you a deal.

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That’s where secure transactions come in.

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Secure cross-border payments aren’t just about protecting money, they’re about protecting momentum. With the right technology and safeguards in place, your business can move faster, stay compliant, and build lasting trust with partners.

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Let’s explore how secure transactions help simplify your cross-border payment workflows and why they matter more than ever.

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The Role of Secure Transactions in Simplifying Cross-Border Payments

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The world of cross-border payments has grown more complex with the rise of global commerce and digital platforms. As companies engage in international trade, they need reliable ways to send and receive funds. That’s where secure transactions come in; helping to protect sensitive data, reduce fraud, and build trust across borders.

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Stronger Protection with Secure Payment Gateways

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Modern payment gateways rely on encryption, multi-factor authentication, and tokenization to keep payments safe. These technologies ensure that customer and business data remains secure throughout the transaction process; a must-have in high-value cross-border payments.

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Cedar Money, for example, uses robust security infrastructure and secure transaction protocols like multi-factor authentication, to help businesses send and receive money confidently, no matter where they’re operating.

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Streamlining Payments and Financial Operations

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Security isn’t just about safety, it’s also about speed and clarity. Secure transactions help businesses optimize their payment workflows by reducing delays, eliminating costly errors, and keeping all parties in sync.

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The result? Improved financial management, better reporting, and a smoother experience for everyone involved in international trade.

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At Cedar Money, our cross-border payout infrastructure includes T+1 settlement for major corridors, helping businesses receive funds as quickly as the next business day. This reliability enhances cash flow and operational agility, especially when working across time zones and continents.

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Navigating Compliance with Confidence

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Cross-border commerce means crossing into different regulatory environments. Secure transaction frameworks help businesses comply with evolving standards around data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

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By staying compliant, businesses avoid legal pitfalls and boost their credibility with partners and customers, a win-win for global growth.

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Tech Innovations That Make Payments Smarter

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From AI-powered fraud detection to blockchain-backed verification, the future of cross-border payments is intelligent, fast, and secure. These innovations don’t just enhance security, they also increase visibility, reduce costs, and improve the end-to-end payment experience.

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With Cedar Money’s secure platform, businesses benefit from the latest technologies without needing to build complex systems from scratch.

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Why Secure Cross-Border Payments Matter

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To thrive in today’s competitive global economy, businesses need to prioritize the safety and efficiency of their payments. Here’s why secure cross-border payments are so important:

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Lower Risk of Fraud

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Robust authentication systems, real-time monitoring, and end-to-end encryption all work together to drastically reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches.

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Improved Transparency

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Secure platforms offer clear, auditable transaction trails which builds trust and helps with compliance and reconciliation.

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Better Cash Flow Management

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Reliable payment systems help businesses manage cash flow more accurately, forecast more confidently, and meet their obligations on time.

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Enhanced Global Reach

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Security and compliance make it easier for businesses to expand into new markets, participate in international trade, and build cross-border partnerships.

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Why Cedar Money?

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At Cedar Money, we are the trusted B2B platform for seamless, secure, and scalable liquidity powering faster business payments and collections.

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Our platform includes:

  • Secure Send and Receive workflows
  • Multi-factor authentication to keep your accounts safe
  • Transparent payout confirmations
  • Automated compliance for smoother onboarding and transactions

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Whether you're scaling into new markets or paying international teams, Cedar gives you the tools to move money with confidence.

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Conclusion

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Secure transactions are the foundation of simplified, seamless cross-border payments. By investing in the right infrastructure and partnering with trusted platforms like Cedar Money, businesses can strengthen their financial management, support economic growth, and explore new opportunities in the global marketplace.

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Want to streamline your cross-border transactions with secure and reliable infrastructure? Start transacting with Cedar Money.

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April 8, 2025

How Cedar Money Protects Your Business with Multi-Factor Authentication

5 min read
company

Over $1 trillion was stolen globally by scammers in 2024, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) 2024 Global State of Scams Report. This figure rivals the GDP of some nations and an even more staggering insight from this report is that only 4% of the victims of these scams were able to recover their losses.

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Cyber threats are on a constant rise globally and businesses dealing with high value international payments are prime targets. Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated and a single breach could be devastating, both financially and reputation-wise.

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This is why at Cedar Money, security isn’t a filler word. It’s a cumulation of intentional processes aimed at safeguarding your funds against fraud and other cyber threats. One of these processes is Multi-Factor Authentication.

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What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Why Does It Matter?

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Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement system that involves users providing more than one verification factor to confirm their identity before they’re granted access to an application or account. By adding this additional security measure that goes beyond simply entering a password, MFA significantly reduces the risk of security threats like phishing and password breaches—making it harder for unauthorized persons to gain access to a user’s account.

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MFA models typically combine several factors which break down authentication into:

  • Something the user knows: A password, pin or the answer to a pre-set security question.
  • Something the user has: A physical device like your smartphone, security key or hardware token.
  • Something the user is: Biometrics like fingerprints, voice patterns, facial recognition or iris scans.

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Why does MFA matter?

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In only the first half of 2023, the European Central Bank (ECB) and European Banking Authority (EBA) recorded that 71% of card payment fraud in the European Economic Area (EEA) involved cross-border transactions. That’s a huge indicator of the heightened vulnerability of international transactions can be if stronger security protocols like MFA are treated as just a nice-to-have instead of an essential measure for protecting your business.

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How Cedar Money’s Multi-Factor Authentication Works

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At Cedar Money, your account security is our utmost priority which is why we make it easy for you to add an additional layer of protection on your account with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

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Once you’ve enabled MFA on your account, it helps ensure that only you or someone you have authorized can access your account, even if your password somehow falls into the wrong hands. Here's how it works:

  1. Log into your Cedar Money account and head to settings on the left navigation bar.
  2. Select security and add two-step verification.
  3. Scan the QR code provided using a trusted authenticator app like Google Authenticator.

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If you’re using your mobile, copy the setup key into your trusted authentication app like Google Authenticator.

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Each time you log into your account, you’ll be asked to enter a unique code generated by the authenticator app you used.

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As quick and easy as this process is, it adds a robust security checkpoint to your account and keeps your information and money safe.

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Benefits of Using MFA for Your Business

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MFA is a significantly more secure system than single-authentication (passwords or pins alone):

  • Enhanced Security: With MFA, you prevent unauthorized access to your account. This way, even if someone steals your password, they would be unable to log in without the second factor.
  • Protection Against Fraud: If unauthorized persons are unable to gain access into your account, it significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
  • Peace of Mind: MFA gives users greater peace of mind knowing that their funds and sensitive information are protected by an additional layer of security.
Why Cedar Money is the Trusted Choice for Secure Cross-Border Payments

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While paying out up to $30,000,000 in 24 hours to over 130 countries is an awesome benefit of making cross-border payments with Cedar, we pride ourselves more in the fact that security is at the core of how we operate. If businesses cannot count on their cross-border payment platform to protect their transactions, data and reputation, all that speed and efficiency becomes redundant.

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Beyond MFA, we’ve built multiple layers infrastructural security to ensure you never have to lose a night’s sleep over the security of your funds. This includes real-time monitoring to detect and prevent any and all suspicious activities, end-to-end encryption to protect your data while in transit, and a secure API integration that allows you connect your systems with confidence.

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Furthermore, to stay ahead of ever-changing regulations and threats, we strictly adhere to compliance standards and regularly review our systems

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With Cedar Money, the only thing you ever have to worry about is how to keep up with the vast opportunities for business expansion.

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Next Steps

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If you are already a Cedar Money user, take a couple of seconds to enable Multi-Factor Authentication in your account settings. It’s a simple step that requires minimal effort but gives maximum rewards— an extra layer of protection to your transactions.

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New here? Now is the perfect time to experience secure, seamless cross-border payments with a partner you can trust. Sign up today and choose safety and security for your business transactions!

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March 20, 2025

The Hidden Costs of Collecting Payments from Africa (And How to Avoid Them)

5 min read
Cedar Guides

On paper, getting paid from Africa should be simple—send an invoice, get paid. But if you’ve done business on the continent, you know it’s rarely that straightforward. In reality, businesses often encounter unexpected obstacles that chip away at their revenue, disrupt their operations, and create unnecessary friction in cash flow.

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One of our clients—a wholesale supplier based in Europe who frequently exports goods to buyers in Nigeria and Ghana— learned this the hard way. When she first expanded into these markets, she assumed international payments would be as seamless as in her home country. But soon, she found herself battling unexpected deductions on every transaction, long settlement delays, and unpredictable currency fluctuations. In one instance, a delayed payment cost her a lucrative deal because she couldn’t restock inventory in time.

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She’s not alone. Many global businesses eager to tap into Africa’s fast-growing economies find themselves battling hidden costs that eat into their margins.

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So, what exactly are these hidden costs, and how can you avoid them? Let’s break it down.

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1. Expensive Transaction Fees That Add Up

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Cross-border payments often come with multiple layers of fees that significantly reduce the final amount received. These costs typically include:

  • Bank transfer fees: Banks charge exorbitant fees for processing international transactions. If intermediary banks are involved, these fees multiply.
  • Correspondent bank fees: Payments routed through multiple financial institutions can incur additional charges, sometimes without the payer or recipient even being aware.
  • Third-party payment provider fees: Many online payment platforms charge commission-based fees, especially for high-value transactions.

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To bring this home more, a $10,000 transaction could quickly shrink to $9,200 after multiple deductions. That’s $800 that could have been invested into your business, gone.

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While some of these fees are necessary for the services provided, you can avoid some unnecessary ones by choosing a provider like Cedar Money, which offers transparent pricing and competitive rates with no hidden fees, ensuring you retain more of your earnings.

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2. FX Losses from Poor Exchange Rates

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When making FX collections, currency conversion is a silent profit killer especially when dealing with countries in Africa with currencies that have lower value. Many exporters and other businesses unknowingly lose money due to:

  • Unfavorable exchange rates: Banks and payment providers often add a markup on top of the mid-market exchange rate, which can cost businesses thousands over time.
  • Settlement rate fluctuations: By the time payments clear, currency volatility may have further eroded the value of the funds received.

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For instance, if a business in Europe receives payments in Nigerian Naira (NGN) instead of USD, currency fluctuations could lead to significant losses. The Naira has historically been volatile, with devaluations happening multiple times over the past decade. Without a reliable FX strategy, businesses risk losing a significant portion of their expected revenue.

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How to Avoid It:

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Opt for a payment provider like Cedar Money, which offers competitive FX rates and allows you choose what currency to receive payments in, even when your client sends funds in their own local currency. This way, you avoid exposure to unstable local currencies and everyone walks away happy.

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3. Payment Delays That Disrupt Cash Flow

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One of the most frustrating challenges businesses face is slow payment processing times. This can be caused by:

  • Lengthy bank clearance processes, which may take several weeks.
  • Regulatory checks and compliance requirements, which vary from country to country.
  • Intermediary banks holding funds, sometimes without clear communication.

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How to Avoid it:

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With Cedar Collections, you benefit from T+1 settlements, ensuring your payments (which can be up to $30,000,000 per day) clear within one business day, rather than weeks.

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4. Limited Payment Options for African Buyers

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Many African businesses operate in markets where international payment methods like credit cards are not widely used. If your payment collection system doesn’t support local bank transfers, mobile money, or regional payment rails, you may lose customers to competitors who offer more accessible options.

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How to Avoid It:

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Cedar Money supports collections from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Ivory Coast, allowing buyers to pay in their local currency while you receive funds in your preferred currency.

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5. Compliance and Regulatory Hurdles

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Every country has its own cross-border payment regulations, and failing to comply can lead to payment rejections, frozen accounts, or even legal issues. Common regulatory challenges include:

  • Restricted currencies: Some African countries have capital controls that limit how much money can be sent abroad.
  • KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements: Failure to provide the right documentation can result in delayed or blocked payments.
  • Inconsistent regulatory updates: Governments frequently change policies, making it difficult for businesses to keep up.

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If you’re looking to do business in multiple African countries, it can be even more daunting trying to adhere to these regulatory requirements which may differ per country.

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How to Avoid It:

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With Cedar Money, compliance is automated and built-in, so you don’t have to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

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Make Cross-Border Collections Simple

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Countries in Africa offer immense business opportunities, but outdated banking infrastructure, excessive costs, and unpredictable regulations can slow you down. The good news? There’s a better way.

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With Cedar Money, you can:

  • Receive payments faster with T+1 settlements
  • Eliminate excessive fees and unfavorable FX losses
  • Offer your customers easy, secure payment options
  • Stay compliant without the headaches

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Stop losing money to hidden fees and delays. Switch to Cedar Money today and get paid faster, for less. Get started now!

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March 16, 2025

Leading the Charge: Women at Cedar Money Driving Change in Fintech

5 min read
company

In fintech, where innovation moves at breakneck speed, progress toward gender equality still lags behind. Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, funding opportunities continue to favor male-led ventures, and systemic barriers persist. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, calls for bold, immediate measures to bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive future.

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At Cedar Money, women are not just participating in fintech, they’re leading the charge. From product innovation to marketing strategy, they are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the financial landscape for the better. We spoke to four remarkable women at Cedar about what Accelerate Action means to them and their advice for the next generation of women in fintech.

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Breaking Barriers and Driving Inclusion

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For many women in fintech, accelerating action isn’t just about moving fast, it’s about moving with purpose. “Since entering the industry in 2005, I’ve learned that success comes from taking decisive steps, adapting quickly, and not waiting for permission to lead,” says Maya Har Noy, Cedar Money’s VP for Financial Strategy. “It’s about identifying opportunities, making strategic moves, and pushing through challenges without hesitation.”

Despite progress, fintech leadership remains largely male-dominated. Titilayo Oluwatosin, Director of Marketing at Cedar Money, believes that accelerating action means “amplifying women’s voices, driving inclusion, and proving through results that women belong at the forefront of innovation.” It’s not just about getting a seat at the table, it’s about ensuring equal representation and leadership.

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Innovation Through Bold Action

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Fintech thrives on innovation, and real change happens when women step up and take charge. Julianah Omosehin, Product Manager at Cedar Money, emphasizes the importance of bold action. “Accelerate Action means boldly stepping up to solve real problems and driving innovation that creates meaningful change. It’s about being proactive—addressing deep customer pain points and pushing boundaries to build solutions that matter.”

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For Sharon Yishai, who has spent nearly two decades in fintech, and leading Financial Operations at Cedar Money, accelerating action means embracing every challenge with energy and creativity. “We’re in an industry that’s all about acceleration—turning ideas into reality, solving problems at lightning speed, and making financial transactions smoother, faster, and smarter. If we want more women leading in fintech, we need to remove friction, whether in payments, innovation, or decision-making.”

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Paving the Way for the Next Generation

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Progress in fintech isn’t just about the present, it’s about creating opportunities for the future. That’s why women who have broken barriers must now help others do the same. “Success isn’t just about you—it’s about lifting others up too,” says Maya. “Mentor, encourage, and create space for other women to thrive.”

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Julianah agrees, highlighting the importance of self-investment. “The more you grow, the more confident and prepared you’ll be to lead and drive change. Seek out mentors and allies, but also back yourself and take risks when opportunities arise.”

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Sharon keeps it simple: “Be bold. Find your tribe. Keep learning. Own your journey.”

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The Time for Change is Now

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The call to Accelerate Action is urgent. It’s not enough to acknowledge the gender gap in fintech, we must actively work to close it. That means pushing for more women in leadership, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering an environment where women can thrive. As Titilayo puts it, “If you see a gap, don’t just acknowledge it, be the one to fill it.”

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At Cedar Money, we’re committed to doing just that - breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that women continue to shape the future of fintech.

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The future of fintech is diverse, dynamic, and inclusive. And women are leading the charge.

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March 6, 2025

Simplifying FX Collections from Africa: A Guide for Exporters

5 min read
Cedar Guides

Expanding into international markets presents exciting opportunities for exporters, but it also brings a unique set of financial challenges—chief among them, collecting foreign currency payments efficiently. From currency fluctuations to slow settlements and high conversion costs, exporters often face hurdles that can eat into their profits and disrupt cash flow.

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The good news? There’s a smarter way to collect international payments. In this guide, we’ll break down the common challenges exporters face and how businesses can streamline their FX collections for faster, more cost-effective transactions

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The Key Challenges Exporters Face in FX Collections from Africa

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Many exporters face hurdles when collecting payments from African buyers. Here are some of the biggest challenges:

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1. Limited Banking Infrastructure

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Many African businesses struggle with cross-border payments due to limited access to international banking networks.

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Your Nigerian buyer initiates a bank transfer for a large order, but because their bank has limited access to international networks, the payment takes over a week to process. Worse still, additional transaction fees are deducted along the way. Now, you’re considering turning down the whole order because you can’t afford the delays and hidden costs cutting into your margins. The longer the payment takes to arrive, the more strain it puts on your cash flow, making it harder to fulfill future orders or reinvest in your business. If this happens repeatedly, you might start avoiding certain markets altogether—limiting your growth potential in Africa.

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2. Currency Volatility & Conversion Costs

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Currencies like the Nigerian Naira (NGN) and the Kenyan Shilling (KES) can experience high volatility. If you’re invoicing in local currencies, exchange rate fluctuations can impact the final amount you receive. Additionally, multiple conversions (e.g., NGN → USD → EUR) can increase FX costs.

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3. Complex Compliance & Regulations

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Regulatory frameworks vary widely across African countries, and some governments impose strict FX controls. If you've ever had a buyer tell you they couldn’t remit payment due to local restrictions, you understand how compliance hurdles can disrupt your business. Without a reliable payment partner that understands these regulations, navigating them can be a major headache.

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4. Slow Settlement Times

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Traditional bank transfers from Africa to countries in other continents can take days or even weeks. Imagine you’ve lined up a new supplier for raw materials, but you can’t place an order until your last payment from Kenya clears. Traditional bank transfers can take days—or even weeks—leaving your business in limbo. These slow settlements slow down your cash flow, make financial planning difficult and can put unnecessary strain on your operations.

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How Cedar Money Solves These Challenges

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At Cedar Money, we simplify FX collections for exporters selling to Africa by providing a direct, reliable, and cost-effective way to receive payments. Here’s how:

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1. Pan-African Coverage

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With Cedar Money, you can collect payments from 9 African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe), in their own local currency and receive funds in major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP and more to over 130 countries—eliminating the hassle of dealing with multiple banking relationships and unnecessary conversions.

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2. Faster Settlements

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Unlike traditional financial providers, Cedar Money ensures fast, direct settlements within T+1. Once payments are processed, funds are sent to your designated bank account quickly, helping you maintain steady cash flow.

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3. Competitive FX Rates & Transparent Fees

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By leveraging Cedar Money’s cross-border payment network, you get access to competitive FX rates and avoid hidden fees. Our transparent pricing structure ensures you always know how much you’re receiving.

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Pro tip: you can get instant notifications for a target FX rate when you turn on Rate Alerts on your Cedar Money dashboard.

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4. Compliance & Regulatory Expertise

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We handle all the complex compliance requirements, so you don’t have to worry about FX controls or transaction monitoring. Our expertise ensures smooth and compliant transactions across multiple African markets.

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Take Control of Your FX Collections

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For businesses exporting to Africa, FX collections don’t have to be a barrier to growth. With Cedar Money, you can eliminate unnecessary delays, reduce FX costs, and simplify the entire process.

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Ready to streamline your FX collections? Join thousands of businesses simplifying their FX collections with Cedar Money—get started on Cedar Money!

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February 24, 2025

Meet Your 24/7 WhatsApp Support Companion

5 min read
Product

Introducing Cedar Money's new WhatsApp Assistant, your go-to for quick answers and expert support. It is here to make your experience smoother than ever!

Now, you can get instant FX rate updates, and answers to your most common questions and concerns directly from your WhatsApp. Our bot is designed to provide personalized assistance, understand your queries, and escalate complex issues to our human support team for prompt resolution.‍

Here's how it works:
  1. Send a message: Simply reach out to our WhatsApp bot and ask your question(s).
  2. Get instant answers: Our bot will provide you with relevant information and guidance.

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Benefits of Our WhatsApp Bot:
  • 24/7 Support: Get instant answers to your questions anytime, anywhere.
  • Instant Rate Alerts: Stay updated with real-time exchange rates.
  • Personalized Assistance: Our bot understands your needs and provides tailored responses.

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Ready to give it a try? Send us a message on WhatsApp now!

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February 20, 2025

How Importers and Exporters in Kenya Can Save on FX Costs

5 min read
Cedar Guides

For Kenyan businesses engaged in global trade, foreign exchange (FX) costs can quickly eat into profits. Whether you're an importer bringing in goods or an exporter selling internationally, navigating fluctuating exchange rates, hidden fees, and slow settlement times can be a major challenge.

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But what if you could optimize your FX transactions and keep more of your hard-earned money? In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies Kenyan importers and exporters can use to reduce FX costs and improve cash flow.

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1. Choose the Right FX Provider

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Many Kenyan businesses still rely on traditional banks for their FX transactions, but banks often charge high markups on exchange rates and hefty transfer fees. Fintech solutions like Cedar Money offer more competitive rates, lower fees, and faster settlements, helping you save significantly and make more efficient cross-border payments.

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What to look for in an FX provider:

  • Competitive exchange rates with minimal markup
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Fast settlement times to improve cash flow
  • Multi-currency support for seamless transactions

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Cedar Money provides businesses with access to smarter payment solutions where you can enjoy competitive FX rates and get the most value when making international payments.

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2. Time Your Transactions to Get the Best Rates

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Exchange rates fluctuate daily, and even small changes can impact the cost of your transactions. Kenyan businesses can save on FX costs by timing payments strategically.

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How to stay ahead of rate fluctuations:

  • Monitor market trends: Keep an eye on global events that may impact currency values.
  • Use rate alerts: Set alerts to notify you when your preferred exchange rate is available.
  • Plan payments in advance: If rates are favourable, consider locking them in before they change.

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With Cedar Rate Alerts, you’ll receive real-time notifications when FX rates hit your target, helping you seize the best deals without constant monitoring. Set a Rate Alert Now!

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3. Minimize Double Conversion Fees

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Many Kenyan importers and exporters lose money due to double currency conversions. For example, converting KES to USD, then USD to EUR, can add unnecessary FX costs.

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How to avoid double conversions:

  • Make payments directly in the recipient’s preferred currency.
  • Use multi-currency accounts to hold and transact in different currencies.
  • Work with an FX provider that supports direct currency payouts.

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Cedar Money allows Kenyan businesses to send and receive payments in multiple global currencies, reducing unnecessary conversions and maximizing cost efficiency.

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4. Use Bulk Payments to Reduce Transaction Fees

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If your business frequently makes multiple FX payments, sending each transaction separately can increase costs due to per-transfer fees. Instead, consider batching payments to reduce overall fees and optimize FX rates.

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How to optimize bulk payments:

  • Consolidate supplier payments into fewer transactions.
  • Negotiate better rates with your FX provider for high-volume payments.
  • Automate payouts to streamline bulk transfers.

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Cedar Money’s upcoming Payout API will allow businesses to automate and batch international payments efficiently, ensuring lower fees and smoother transactions.

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5. Reduce Settlement Delays to Improve Cash Flow

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For exporters, long settlement times can lead to cash flow constraints, while importers may face supplier delays due to slow payments. Optimizing FX settlements can improve liquidity and business operations.

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How to reduce settlement delays:

  • Choose an FX provider with fast T+1 or same-day settlements.
  • Avoid banks with slow international wire processing.
  • Use fintech platforms that offer instant transfers for certain currencies.

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With Cedar Money, USD payouts settle in T+1, and other currencies process within 1-5 days, ensuring your money moves faster.

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Final Thoughts

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Every shilling saved on FX costs translates to better profit margins and improved business growth. By choosing a competitive FX provider, timing your transactions wisely, avoiding unnecessary conversions, and optimizing settlement speeds, Kenyan importers and exporters can reduce costs, boost efficiency, and stay ahead in global trade.

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With Cedar Money, you get access to competitive exchange rates, fast settlements, and a seamless multi-currency payment experience.

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Ready to optimize your FX transactions? Start Saving on FX Costs Today!

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February 7, 2025

We Raised $9.9M Seed to Simplify High-volume Cross Border B2B Payments for Africans

5 min read
company

Cedar Money, a US-based startup championing high-volume cross border B2B payments secured $9.9 million in seed funding to optimize its operations and introduce its solutions to countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast and more.

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The seed funding round was led by global fintech investor, QED Investors, and included investment from Lattice, NIV, Stellar, and Wischoff Ventures.

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Since its official launch in 2022—by Benjy Feinberg— Cedar Money now powers pay outs to over 130 countries around the world through its faster and more affordable solution. This funding will enable Cedar Money scale its payment infrastructure and tackle the inefficiencies in international payment.

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Cedar Money works as a bridge between traditional money and digital currency. Businesses and individuals transact in conventional currency (like dollars) on the Cedar Money platform which is then converted into stablecoins—digital currencies designed to have a steady value, usually by being tied to a traditional currency—behind the scenes.

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Businesses around the world but especially in Africa, face problems with high fees, long delays, and unpredictable currency fluctuations when dealing with traditional banking methods. These issues have hampered the growth of African businesses for so long, restricting them to doing business within the borders of their country.

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“If you look at the SWIFT network, fees globally are around 2-3%, but in Africa, they’re much higher. It’s even more gouging in places where people have less money,” founder and CEO Benjy Feinberg said in an interview.

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However, Cedar Money’s stablecoin-powered solution tackles these challenges head-on by combining the speed and efficiency of digital transactions with the reliability and stability of traditional money. With Cedar Money, businesses can now process up to $30,000,000 transactions in just 24 hours—no hidden fees or exorbitant charges.

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With this new funding, what’s Cedar Money’s vision for the future of cross-border payments in Africa, and how do you see this shaping the growth of businesses across the continent?

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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cedar Money?

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With this $9.9M seed funding, Cedar Money is gearing up to introduce new solutions that go beyond simplifying cross-border payments.

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According to Nir Atar, the VP of Growth, Cedar Money is developing a next-generation digital payments platform powered by blockchain and advanced APIs to make transactions faster, more transparent, and cost-effective. In addition, Cedar will launch AI-driven compliance tools to help businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease.

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An exciting addition is Cedar’s upcoming debit card, designed to give businesses real-time insights into their spending, tighter control over expenses, and enhanced security for cross-border transactions.

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“These innovations aren’t just about moving money—they’re about empowering African businesses to grow and thrive in the global economy,” said Nir Atar.

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With these advancements, Cedar Money is not only transforming how African businesses handle international payments but also redefining how they manage their finances on a global scale.

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Ready to Simplify Your Cross-Border Payments?

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Join the growing number of businesses leveraging Cedar Money’s innovative solutions to streamline international transactions, cut costs, and manage finances with ease.

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Experience faster, more secure, and more affordable cross-border payments today. Get started with Cedar Money!

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Start Your Financial Journey with Cedar

Join us in shaping a future where banking is tailored for the modern world, blending innovation with ease. Simplify your global transactions with Cedar.

Introducing the Cedar Money App!
The Cedar Money App is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store!

‍Download now and manage your business payments effortlessly, anytime, anywhere.
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Our mobile app is live now! Available on App Store and Google Play Store.