Grey, the global fintech leader, has officially pivoted into the B2B space with the launch of Grey Business, a multi-currency platform designed to dismantle the barriers African startups face when transacting globally. Unveiled on February 10, 2026, during the Africa Tech Summit, the platform aims to capture a slice of a cross-border payments market projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2035.
The launch, supported by industry titans Paystack and Antler, moves Grey from being a tool for freelancers to a comprehensive “Global Operating System” for African enterprises.
Banking Without Borders: Key Features
Grey Business provides a single interface for African companies to operate like global entities. The platform’s core capabilities include:
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USD Corporate Accounts: African startups can now open and operate US-dollar accounts without the traditional bureaucratic hurdles.
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Stablecoin Integration: In a nod to the shifting financial landscape, the platform supports USDC and USDT transactions, offering a hedge against local currency volatility.
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Instant Currency Conversion: Real-time exchange rates with zero hidden fees, a direct answer to the “hidden charges” that plague traditional banking.
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Global Reach: Facilitating transfers to more than 170 destinations worldwide.
Solving the “Settlement Lag”
Idorenyin Obong, CEO and Co-founder of Grey, noted that the product was born out of frustration. “We’ve seen too many businesses lose time and money waiting for payments to clear,” he stated. By providing instant settlements, Grey Business addresses the liquidity traps that often stifle the growth of high-velocity startups.
Regulatory Compliance & Trust:
To ensure security for its 3 million users, Grey maintains strict regulatory standards:
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USA: Regulated by FinCEN.
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Canada: Regulated by FINTRAC.
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Beta Momentum: Over 1,000 businesses successfully onboarded during the pilot phase, proving the high demand for streamlined B2B payments.
The Economic Context: Fintech vs. Tradition
As Nigeria and the wider continent navigate FX challenges, fintechs like Grey are becoming the “shadow infrastructure” keeping trade alive.
| Challenge | Traditional Banking Impact | Grey Business Solution |
| Speed | 3–7 business days for international wire. | Instant or same-day settlements. |
| Fees | 3%–7% in hidden FX margins. | Transparent, real-time mid-market rates. |
| Flexibility | Fiat only (USD, EUR, GBP). | Hybrid Fiat + Stablecoin (USDC/USDT). |
| Accessibility | Requires physical presence/high capital. | Digital-first onboarding for SMEs. |
