Global expansion in B2B payments now collides with fragmented regulation digital currencies and rising buyer expectations. In this article Inez Berkhof-Hollander explains how finance leaders can navigate e-invoicing mandates local payment norms currency volatility and emerging technologies to scale internationally without losing control of risk cash flow or compliance pressures.
As we enter 2026, B2B organisations find themselves navigating a period of profound change in payments. Europe’s B2B payments landscape is being transformed by EU-wide, yet in practice country-specific, e-invoicing mandates, designed to combat fraud, reduce tax shortfalls, and address compliance gaps. At the same time, the European Council has endorsed the European Central Bank’s plans to introduce a digital euro in the near term, signalling a potentially fundamental shift in how value is exchanged. Layered on top of this regulatory and monetary transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). AI promises to add a lot of efficiencies here, but it also introduces new complexity as organisations work out how best to deploy it safely and effectively.
What can the B2B Finance leader do here to stay ahead and grow beyond their own borders?
e-invoicing regulations and the growing importance of Peppol-certified partners
The first to-do item for any international expansion can be summed up in two words: go digital. Both the European Union and the UK are undergoing major regulatory and market shifts that will reshape finance and B2B sales. At the centre of Europe’s transition is mandatory e-invoicing. While long-term harmonisation is the goal, near-term implementation is fragmented. Between now through 2027–2028, member states are rolling out country-specific E-Invoicing Directive versions, with further convergence expected by 2030.
Businesses trading in the EU, UK, US, MENA, or beyond must now focus on two priorities: complying with current rules and staying agile for future changes. In the UK, mandatory e-invoicing for VAT has now been confirmed to begin in 2029 (as announced in the UK’s November 2025 Budget).
E-invoicing isn’t simply about cutting red tape, welcome though that always is. It is designed to address real challenges like fraud and VAT revenue gaps. Standardised e-invoices boost accuracy, compliance, and tax protection. For reliability, we recommend organisations get set for this shift by working with Peppol-certified partners, as it’s a practical way to ensure global compliance and seamless integration with buyers and sellers worldwide.
It’s also worth noting that the trend to digital payments is hardly only an EU phenomenon: even the US, long reliant on paper, is starting to address standards and interoperability, with active support from the Federal Reserve. As a result this is becoming an issue for any US or EU company looking to expand in either direction.
Local expectations around payments
In Europe, 2B transactions typically follow a ‘pay by invoice’ model, but term lengths differ. Extending terms from 30 to 60 days can heighten risk and strain cash flow, especially when addressing unfamiliar buyers or navigating local credit practices, and may, in some cases, no longer be worth the risk.
Recent research we commissioned confirms B2B buyers value choice: 86% say preferred payment methods matter, and 83% appreciate having multiple options. For businesses operating internationally, or looking to expand across borders, this adds complexity, as payment preferences vary widely by region. Checks or cards dominate in some markets, direct debit or digital wallets in others. Payment terms also differ at the country level: Southern Europe expects 45–60 days, Nordics prefer shorter terms, and Germany enforces 30 days. EU and UK regulations may further standardize terms (a maximum of 45 days), but in the meantime offering extended terms and higher limits can boost sales. In our survey, 45% of buyers said they would purchase more if such flexibility were available.
Cultural and regulatory differences also shape payments. In France and Southern Europe, relationships drive business; in Central and Eastern Europe, transactions are more impersonal. European sellers must navigate late payments and local rules, while North American firms focus more heavily on fraud and cybersecurity.
These distinctions reflect not only differences in regulation but also local market practices and expectations. It’s essential to stay on top of these when operating across borders.
Cross-border payments and the Electronic Euro
Beyond regulatory shifts and payment behaviors, currency volatility remains a significant challenge for international B2B transactions. While the euro has simplified payments across Europe—and the ECB’s plans to introduce an electronic equivalent of cash some see as rivalling systems like VISA and Mastercard will hopefully be an even further step along this line—multiple currencies are still in use, particularly in trade involving Europe, the US, and the UK.
The wide variation among Europe’s 27 tax regimes adds further operational complexity for cross-border sellers. To compete effectively on a global scale, businesses must proactively manage cross-border payments. Successful international operations rely on dynamic credit terms, localised invoicing, real-time foreign exchange capabilities, a broad range of payment options, and, ideally, automated reconciliation to streamline processes.
Implementing these measures helps growing B2B brands to mitigate volatility, build resilience, and strengthen financial stability, with improved cash flow protection as a central benefit.
Open banking and SEPA
Risk management sits at the heart of the CFO’s responsibilities. Minimising exposure is a key objective, but while some commentators suggest open banking could be a solution, its role in B2B payments in Q1 2026 remains uncertain. While open banking has shown benefits in B2C, adoption in B2B is limited, as many buyers are reluctant to grant access to sensitive financial data, reflecting the typically cautious European approach to transparency and e-invoicing.
As a result, many businesses question the necessity of open banking in B2B, particularly when alternative risk management solutions exist. For instance, outsourcing payment risk to providers that guarantee settlement removes the need for direct access to buyer data.
European B2B firms already benefit from advanced payment infrastructure such as SEPA, which ensures next-day settlement and improves efficiency and transparency compared with traditional banking practices.
Technology and international trading complexity
When it comes to getting the foundations of international expansion in place, it’s the organisations that have prioritised compliance, localisation, and financial stability that are best positioned for international expansion.
By adopting global standards and technology-driven solutions, businesses can manage volatility, meet diverse buyer expectations, and maintain long-term stability. On the horizon, AI and machine learning can optimise operations, predict risks, and improve decision-making. While there is still much to work out, so for now, and with global trade slowing, a robust, tech-enabled international expansion framework ensures smooth operations and continued business-as-usual trading.
About the Author
Inez Berkhof-Hollander works for TreviPay, a global B2B payments and invoicing network that believes loyalty begins at the payment, where she is Vice President EMEA.
