B2B BNPL’s transformative potential in global trade: report

Global management consultancy Arthur D. Little (ADL) has unveiled its latest report, A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity, which explores the transformative potential of B2B buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions in reshaping global trade.

As businesses face increasing liquidity challenges and strive for greater supply chain efficiency, ADL highlights how BNPL is gaining traction as a solution to these issues in the rapidly growing digital economy.

The report reveals that the global B2B commerce market, valued at $120tn in 2022, is on the brink of a paradigm shift. ADL forecasts that B2B BNPL could capture 15 -20 per cent of global B2B payments by 2030, potentially unlocking transaction volumes ranging from $25tn to $30tn.

With an average fee of 3-4 per cent per transaction, this represents a market value of between $700bn and $1.3tn.

“B2B BNPL is not just a financial innovation — it is a catalyst for global commerce,” said Arjun Vir Singh, partner and global fintech lead at Arthur D. Little.

“As businesses seek more efficient ways to manage payments and strengthen supply chains, BNPL offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability in today’s dynamic market.”

BNPL gaining momentum in Saudi and UAE

ADL’s report also underscores the growing regional developments, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where the BNPL sector is gaining momentum. Both countries have introduced regulatory frameworks to support BNPL solutions.

In Saudi Arabia, Foodics has launched one of the first B2B BNPL platforms for its food and beverage clients, allowing them to pay for subscriptions and hardware through BNPL. Meanwhile, the Saudi fintech company Mala has secured a $7m investment to enhance its B2B BNPL offering, and the UAE’s Comfi announced a $5m debt facility to accelerate its platform’s growth.

ADL further highlights Germany as a key example of the scalability of B2B BNPL.

In 2022, B2B online sales in Germany reached $467bn, accounting for 6.4 per cent of the country’s total B2B commerce.

The size of the B2B online market was five times larger than Germany’s B2C online market, showcasing the vast potential for BNPL adoption in well-established markets with significant digital adoption.

The report also points to the growing need for improved liquidity solutions among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which currently rely heavily on trade credit for 30-50 per cent of global B2B transactions.

While this system places credit risk on suppliers and often leads to inefficiencies, B2B BNPL offers a streamlined alternative by providing instant credit approvals. This reduces administrative burdens, allowing suppliers to receive immediate payment while buyers benefit from flexible repayment terms.

“The adoption of B2B BNPL goes beyond traditional payment methods,” said Mohammad Nikkar, principal at Arthur D. Little, Middle East. “Its digital nature simplifies cross-border transactions by standardising payment terms and reducing complexities in currency exchange and settlement processes. BNPL is redefining the future of trade financing and is becoming an indispensable tool for businesses navigating today’s fast-changing economy.”

ADL’s report also projects high double-digit annual growth rates for the B2B BNPL market, which aligns with the ongoing digital transformation of global commerce.

As businesses worldwide continue to adopt digital-first solutions, BNPL is emerging as a critical component of embedded finance, enabling companies to enhance cash flow, reduce financial risks, and foster long-term growth.