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About International Wire Bank
An international organisation owned by its member governments, built to make the movement of public funds faster, cheaper and transparent.
Our mission
Governments and public agencies pay suppliers, fund programmes and settle obligations across borders every day. Too often those payments pass through long chains of correspondent banks, with delays, hidden costs and little visibility.
IWB gives member institutions a direct, shared settlement network. We hold accounts, move funds between banks worldwide and publish how we operate. We are not-for-profit: fees cover operating costs and the reserves required by our charter.
Neutral
We serve all member governments equally, with no commercial lending or trading activity.
Transparent
Fees, exchange rates and audit results are published to our members.
Dependable
Our platform is available around the clock and settlement is final.
Leadership
Dr. Helena Marchetti
Secretary General
Samuel Adeyemi
Chair, Board of Governors
Amara Okonkwo
Chief Operating Officer
Lars Henriksen
Chief Risk Officer
Priya Raman
Chief Technology Officer
Daniel Reyes
Head of Member Relations
Governance
Three bodies keep IWB accountable to the governments that own it.
Board of Governors
One governor from each member government sets strategy, approves the budget and appoints the Secretary General.
Audit and Risk Committee
Oversees external audit, internal controls, sanctions compliance and operational resilience, and reports to all members.
Secretary General
Leads the executive team, is accountable to the Board and publishes an annual transparency report.
Our history
2009
Founding charter signed by 12 member governments in Geneva.
2012
First cross-border settlement ledger goes live between four central banks.
2015
Singapore hub opens, extending same-day settlement to Asia-Pacific.
2019
Agency wallets launched for ministries and public programmes.
2023
Network passes 2,000 partner banks in more than 120 countries.
2026
Nairobi hub opens; wallets support nine currencies.
Work with IWB
Member institutions can open an account online. Governments and agencies exploring membership can speak with our Member Relations team.