Wise

Wise, founded in 2011 and formerly known as TransferWise, operates a cross-border payments platform built to move and manage money internationally at the real mid-market exchange rate, without hidden fees. The company reports moving over £14 billion each month across more than 160 countries, serving millions of people and businesses. Its technical work spans fintech infrastructure, payments technology, foreign exchange, multi-currency accounts, debit card processing and cross-border money transfer.

The product suite comprises three main lines. International money transfers support more than 40 currencies with transparent pricing. A multi-currency account lets customers hold balances in over 50 currencies and receive money in one place. A linked Wise debit card allows spending worldwide against multi-currency balances. Engineering at this scale involves payment rails in numerous jurisdictions, currency conversion, card processing and account infrastructure serving both consumer and business customers.

Wise was founded by two friends who objected to the hidden fees charged by banks on international transfers, and the company states a long-term aim of replacing international banking. It emphasises transparency, fair pricing, speed and affordability, and positions its services around how people live and work across borders. Its geographic reach is global, spanning 160+ countries.