SaaS and BaaS in the global market: how to scale with efficient cross-border payments?

The financial technology sector is evolving rapidly, with SaaS (Software as a Service) and BaaS (Banking as a Service) playing a central role in this transformation. Scalable software models and digital banking solutions are redefining how financial services are delivered globally, opening up new market opportunities.

However, while these models enable accelerated expansion, payment infrastructure often fails to keep pace with this growth. Challenges such as local payment acceptance, regulatory compliance, and high conversion costs can limit the scalability of companies aiming to operate internationally.

The growth potential is undeniable. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global SaaS market was valued at USD 266,2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 315.68 billion in 2025 to USD 1.13 trillion by 2032, with a CAGR of 20%. Meanwhile, the BaaS sector continues to gain traction, estimated at USD 6.74 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 21.90 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 26.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030), according to Mordor Intelligence**.**

Despite this upward trajectory, international scalability still presents strategic challenges. In this article, we explore how SaaS and BaaS companies can overcome these barriers and build an efficient cross-border payments strategy to maximize conversion, reduce operational costs, and ensure seamless settlement.

Differences and challenges in international payments

SaaS and BaaS play distinct roles in the digital financial ecosystem. SaaS operates as a cloud-based model, where companies provide scalable solutions without requiring physical infrastructure. BaaS, on the other hand, enables fintechs and other businesses to integrate financial services directly into their platforms via APIs, eliminating the need to become licensed financial institutions.

While both models rely on efficient payment infrastructure, their operational challenges require different approaches, as outlined below:

SaaS (Software as a Service)

• Recurring payment models require high approval rates and compatibility with local payment methods;
• Customer retention depends on seamless, error-free billing experiences;
• Global expansion is driven by the ability to accept payments from anywhere without operational hurdles;

BaaS (Banking as a Service)

• Success depends on efficient banking integrations that enable instant payments and international transfers at minimal cost;
• Regulatory compliance and financial security are critical for operating across multiple markets;
• BaaS companies require agile payment solutions that support diverse financial models, including split payments and automated reconciliation;

Regardless of the business model, the scalability of SaaS and BaaS relies on a well-structured global payments strategy. Without it, companies face operational roadblocks that hinder international customer conversion and limit their competitiveness in key markets.

Strategies to optimize cross-border payments:

The ability of SaaS and BaaS companies to scale globally depends on their capacity to process international payments seamlessly. Some key strategies include:

• Integrating local payment methods: Payment conversion rates are directly impacted by the availability of regionally preferred payment options. Companies operating in Latin America, for example, must go beyond credit cards and offer alternatives such as Pix (Brazil), SPEI (Mexico), and digital wallets, reducing checkout abandonment and improving customer retention;
• Reducing costs and optimizing settlement: Traditional payment processors often involve multiple intermediaries, leading to higher costs, delayed settlement, and unfavorable exchange rates. Companies can optimize their financial flow by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, ensuring predictable settlement, and accessing more competitive FX rates;
• Ensuring compliance and security for global expansion: Payment regulations vary by country, making it crucial to work with a partner that already operates within local compliance frameworks. This facilitates faster market entry, regulatory adherence, and reduced operational risks;

Cross-Border payments as a pillar of global expansion

Scaling a SaaS or BaaS business internationally requires a well-structured payments strategy. To remain competitive, companies must integrate local payment methods, reduce transaction costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Choosing a strategic partner with robust global payment solutions can be a decisive factor in this expansion, enabling optimized settlement and enhancing the user experience.

With a strong infrastructure in place, FacilitaPay helps businesses expand their international presence without operational or regulatory barriers. Get in touch with our experts to discover how to optimize your cross-border payments strategy and drive your global growth.