Wise (WISE) Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference summary

Business model and product evolution

• Focuses on solving cross-border money movement with fast, low-cost transfers, now serving 13 million customers and moving $150 billion annually.

• Offers mid-market exchange rates and transparent fees, often five times cheaper than banks.

• Expanded from transfers to multicurrency accounts, enabling local banking for businesses and individuals globally.

Technology and platform strategy

• Built proprietary infrastructure connecting domestic payment networks for instant, efficient cross-border transfers.

• Wise Platform now powers international payments for 50-60 banks, including challenger and traditional banks in Asia and Latin America.

• Partnerships with major digital banks like Nubank and traditional banks such as Mandiri and Shinhan Bank.

Pricing, competition, and growth

• Adopts a cost-plus pricing model, lowering fees as infrastructure becomes more efficient, putting pressure on competitors.

• Focuses on long-term pricing impact, measuring growth and user acquisition over years, not months.

• Viral growth model: 70% of new users come via recommendations, reducing reliance on marketing spend.