Global payments powerhouse Western Union has partnered with Thunes to streamline cross-border payments and allow customers to send funds to mobile devices.

According to an official press release, the partnership with Thunes will enhance Western Union’s digital network and will allow users to transfer funds directly to recipients’ mobile wallets.

“We are delighted to be working with Western Union to provide global reach for their customers,” said Steve Vickers, CEO at Thunes.

“Our payments platform seamlessly interconnects payment providers globally and enables interoperability between diverse payment systems, and by utilizing our vast networks, Western Union customers will now have more flexibility when sending money across borders.”

In an interview with Reuters in December, Western Union confirmed that it was trialing the use of cryptocurrencies, with the firm’s president saying that it was “ready to adopt any kind of currency”, with XRP being touted as an option.

But instead it has opted for Thunes, which is being seen as a crucial step in the mass adoption of digital assets as a means of cross-border payments.

Sobia Rahman, Global Head of Account Payout Network for Western Union, said: “We are continuously expanding and enhancing our account payout portfolio, providing customers with multiple payout options including bank accounts, cards, or mobile wallets.

“Our goal is to make digital money transfer services more accessible, with a specific focus on enabling mobile transactions.”