Pesa, a cross-border financial platform built for international living, has officially launched its services in Australia after receiving regulatory authorization from AUSTRAC. The company connects directly with Australian payment infrastructure to support transfers between Australia and Nigeria. Its launch aims to provide clear exchange rates, zero hidden fees, and faster delivery for migrants, students, and families.
Regulatory Authorization
Pesa secured authorization as an Independent Remittance Dealer from AUSTRAC in July 2025. This milestone allows the company to operate legally within Australia's financial system and offer remittance services to the public. The approval followed a structured process designed to meet local regulatory standards and financial crime obligations under AUSTRAC oversight.
Direct Payment Infrastructure
By connecting directly with local Australian Dollar payment infrastructure, Pesa bypasses legacy correspondent banking networks that often add cost and time to remittances. This approach removes hidden exchange rate markups and reduces the delays common in traditional international transfers between Australia and Nigeria. As a result, customers benefit from a more direct, predictable, and affordable payment route.
Market Demand and Community
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, more than 12,883 Nigeria-born residents live in Australia, with the largest communities in Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, Greater Perth, and Greater Brisbane. Many of these migrants and international students face high transfer fees, delayed delivery, and opaque pricing when moving money across countries. Pesa was created to address these specific cross-border payment challenges.
Leadership Vision
Tolu Osho, Co-Founder and CEO of Pesa, said the platform sees family and life across borders rather than a simple transaction. He explained that the service was built so people sending money home for university tuition, family care, or personal projects know exactly how much will arrive. The company's goal is to bring fairness, speed, and real community support to international residents.
Compliance and Security
Pesa's compliance framework operates under AUSTRAC AML/CTF standards to ensure complete fund security and strict adherence to local regulations. James Miller, Head of Compliance, said securing official authorization was an essential step before opening in Australia. The approved framework and local network access mean transfers land safely and quickly while meeting Australian safety standards.
Customer Experience
Starting today, customers in Australia can complete their profile on a mobile phone in under two minutes with zero transfer fees. Transfers from Australian Dollars to Nigerian Naira display clear, upfront exchange rates, so recipients receive the exact amount shown at checkout. The service is available through the Pesa app on iOS and Android or at www.pesa.co.
Future Roadmap
Over coming phases, Pesa plans to introduce multi-currency accounts, Pesa Cards for global spending, Pesa Stash for targeted savings, and business transfer options. These additions aim to build a single financial home for anyone living, working, or building across borders. The company is expanding the platform beyond remittances into broader cross-border financial services.
Pesa's launch in Australia establishes a regulated and transparent corridor for remittances to Nigeria. By connecting directly to local payment infrastructure, the platform removes many cost and speed barriers that have historically affected traditional transfers. With additional financial products planned, Pesa is positioning itself as a broader financial home for people living internationally.