UniBank and Mastercard launch cross-border payments solution for Panama SMEs

UniBank has partnered with Mastercard to launch Mi Negocio sin Frontera, a cross-border payments solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses in Panama. The service extends UniBank's existing Mi Negocio proposition with new functionality for international payments.

The companies say the solution is intended to reduce friction in cross-border transactions and give businesses better visibility over incoming and outgoing funds.

Cross-border payments remain a challenge for SMEs

Panama plays an important role in regional trade and financial services, supported by its logistics and banking infrastructure. As local companies build relationships with international suppliers and customers, efficient cross-border payment capabilities become increasingly important to day-to-day operations.

A 2026 study by Mastercard and FXC Intelligence found that SMEs account for more than 40% of import payments across Latin America. Three out of four SMEs surveyed said unpredictable payment timing had directly affected working capital, making cash flow management and business planning more difficult.

The same research found that 95% of SMEs willing to change providers would consider moving additional banking services within twelve months. The findings point to demand for more reliable payment infrastructure among smaller businesses.

Built on Mastercard Move

Mi Negocio sin Frontera is built on Mastercard Move, Mastercard's money movement infrastructure. The platform connects bank accounts, cards and other receiving points to broaden the payment options available to businesses.

UniBank customers can use the service to send payments to more than 50 countries across Central America, the United States, Europe and Asia. Funds can be available the next day or close to real time, depending on the receiving infrastructure in the destination market.

The companies also position the platform as a way to reduce manual work commonly associated with international transfers. The objective is to give SMEs greater transparency and predictability across payment flows.

UniBank and Mastercard focus on international SME activity

John Rozo, General Manager of UniBank, said the partnership is intended to give SMEs a more transparent way to manage financial activity across borders, supported by Mastercard's international payments network.

Soledad Rovira, Mastercard's Country Manager for Panama and Belize, said cross-border payments are part of the infrastructure that allows companies to connect with international suppliers, customers and markets. The cooperation with UniBank is focused specifically on extending those capabilities to Panamanian SMEs.

Banks and payment networks target the SME segment

The launch reflects a broader effort by banks and payment networks to improve cross-border payment infrastructure for smaller businesses. SMEs have traditionally had less access than larger corporates to fast settlement, transparent pricing and predictable payment timing.

By linking UniBank's domestic SME proposition with Mastercard's global money movement capabilities, the companies are creating a more direct route for Panamanian businesses to send funds internationally. The model also shows how similar bank-network partnerships can be used to expand cross-border payment capabilities for SMEs in other Latin American markets.