Russia’s A7 expands cross-border payment services with UAE dirham option

Russian fintech company A7 has launched an international payment platform that allows businesses and individuals settle invoices using digital assets, while recipients receive traditional bank transfers in currencies including the UAE dirham.

A7 International charges a fixed commission of 0.3 per cent and offers settlement from one business day, according to the company. It supports transfers in US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan and UAE dirhams, with other currencies available by prior agreement.

The launch comes as Russia develops alternative channels for international payments following Western sanctions that have restricted its access to the global banking system.

Customers pay using USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, on the TRON blockchain. A7 then arranges a bank transfer using the recipient’s banking details, including through the SWIFT network. Recipients do not need cryptocurrency wallets because the funds arrive in their bank accounts.

Founded in 2024 with the involvement of Russia’s state-owned PSB bank, A7 has rapidly expanded across the Middle East, China, Africa and Latin America. The company says its network covers more than 100 countries and serves around 15,000 corporate clients, processing approximately 2,000 transactions a day. It reported handling more than 10 trillion roubles, equivalent to roughly $120 billion, in international payments in 2025.

PSB bank Chairman Petr Fradkov said the service was designed to meet the global demand for international payments.

“We have adapted our service so that it can be used remotely from anywhere in the world. This is precisely the key demand of market participants today,” he said.

Fradkov said businesses increasingly wanted to arrange transfers from their smartphones without lengthy paperwork, unexpected charges or delays.

According to A7 Chief Executive Officer Ilan Shor, China is its largest payment corridor, which accounted for more than 60 per cent of A7’s payments in mid-2026, with Middle Eastern countries also among its main destinations.

A7’s expansion has drawn support from senior Russian officials. On October 15, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov became chairman of A7’s supervisory board, which also included Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Petr Fradkov and Ilan Shor.

Russia has also promoted the company’s services in Africa as part of efforts to deepen trade and financial ties.

Speaking at the recent Russia–Africa summit, President Vladimir Putin has encouraged African countries to adopt digital cross-border payment technologies and reduce reliance on Western financial infrastructure. Finance Minister Siluanov has highlighted A7’s operations and its 0.3 per cent commission.

A7 has announced offices in Nigeria and Zimbabwe and plans to expand its presence to more than 20 countries across Africa and Latin America over the next two years, while developing its Middle Eastern business.

The new platform also uses artificial intelligence to assess transaction risks and recommend payment routes.

Shor said the system examines the sender, beneficiary, jurisdictions involved and other risk factors, weighing compliance requirements against available payment infrastructure. It then recommends a route based on cost, speed, reliability and applicable restrictions.

Customers register on the company’s website and complete identity verification or corporate due diligence checks before submitting invoices and supporting documents.

The platform displays the total payment cost, including commission, before customers confirm a transaction. Once a transfer is completed, they receive a SWIFT confirmation or other payment documentation.

Availability depends on local rules governing digital assets and cross-border payments. Transactions remain subject to sanctions restrictions and the compliance requirements of participating financial institutions.