Octobank Expands Global Payment Infrastructure Across Miami, New York, and London

Octobank is accelerating its integration into the global financial system following a series of international engagements in London, Miami, and New York. By securing preliminary agreements with major payment networks and joining the International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN), the Uzbekistani bank aims to modernize cross-border remittance corridors for its domestic and international clients.

What was announced

Octobank has concluded the London leg of its international expansion program at the IAMTN Annual Summit 2026. During the event, held on 7-8 October, the bank’s leadership established contact with representatives from 34 organizations across 22 countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Central to these discussions were preliminary agreements for further cooperation with international payment companies Thunes, UniTeller, and Belmoney, specifically targeting the development of new remittance corridors and expanding payment solutions for clients.

The bank also used the summit to deepen existing relationships with PayPal, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Worldpay. This London engagement followed a high-profile tour that included participation in Sibos in Miami—where the team held over 100 meetings regarding correspondent banking, trade finance, and foreign exchange—and a visibility campaign in New York’s Times Square.

Beyond networking, Octobank formalised its commitment to the sector by joining the International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN) as a Platinum Member and acting as a Gold Sponsor for the summit. Igor Shishkov, Deputy Managing Director of Octobank for Cross-Border Money Transfers and E-Commerce, presented the bank’s strategy for improving cross-border efficiency through API integrations and embedded financial services. The bank’s objective is to better integrate Uzbekistan’s financial infrastructure into global networks to support growing international trade and the business activity of local companies abroad.

"Agreements reached within the framework of the IAMTN 2026 Annual Summit contribute to strengthening ties between national and international financial institutions. Participation in such summits allows us to expand cooperation with partners not only in Uzbekistan, but also in the countries of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, to integrate into the international payment network, and to develop more convenient and faster solutions for money transfers for our clients,"

Sardor Shavkiev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Octobank

The companies involved

Octobank is a financial institution based in Uzbekistan that is currently focused on integrating the nation’s financial infrastructure into global payment networks. The bank has recently embarked on a high-visibility international program to establish itself as a bridge for cross-border settlements and e-commerce. A key partner in this strategy is Thunes, a global B2B payment infrastructure platform that enables businesses and banks to move money across borders instantly. Thunes has established a significant presence in the market by facilitating high-capacity payouts and bridging the gap between fiat and digital assets.

Another significant entity in Octobank’s new network is UniTeller, an international money transfer and bill payment company. UniTeller is a subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Banorte, one of Mexico’s largest financial institutions, providing Octobank with a strategic link to the Americas. The bank is also collaborating with Belmoney to expand its remittance capabilities. By joining the International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN) as a Platinum Member, Octobank aligns itself with a global community dedicated to the cross-border transfer industry, moving beyond domestic operations to compete on a global stage.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has extensively tracked the expansion of Octobank’s new partners, particularly Thunes. Recent reports highlighted how Thunes and UnionPay International Launch High-Capacity Instant Payouts to China, a move that mirrors the corridor expansion Octobank is currently pursuing. We also covered the company’s push into digital assets when Thunes and Coinbase Partner to Bridge Fiat and Stablecoin Global Payments.

In the banking sector, Thunes has been active in emerging markets, as seen when Absa Group Partners with Thunes to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments Across Africa and when Thunes and Aljazira Bank Partner to Revolutionize Cross-Border Remittances in Saudi Arabia. These partnerships underscore the type of high-velocity infrastructure Octobank is attempting to tap into to improve the efficiency of its own cross-border operations.

What this means

Octobank’s aggressive international tour signals a shift in how Central Asian banks view their role in the global economy. By bypassing traditional, slower correspondent banking routes in favor of direct API integrations with fintechs like Thunes and UniTeller, Octobank is putting pressure on regional incumbents who rely on legacy systems. This move highlights a broader industry trend where digital platforms and embedded finance are becoming essential for banks in developing economies to remain competitive in international trade. However, the success of these preliminary agreements will depend on how effectively these new corridors can navigate the varied regulatory landscapes across multiple continents.