FedEx delivers blockchain for 24/7/365 real-time payments
Published: Sep 2025
Harnessing the Power of Technology
Overall Winner
FedEx
Photo of Phyllis Carter, Fedex, Brenda Allen, J.P. Morgan, Bernd Haaksman, Rebeca Wiadacz, Pawel Arabas and Jeff Lewis, Fedex.
Rebeca Wiadacz
Director of Global Cash Management
USA
FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses with a worldwide portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. The corporation invented express transportation and remains the global leader, providing rapid, reliable, time-definite delivery to more than 220 countries and territories.
in partnership with
The challenge
FedEx treasury operated a traditional notional pool structure between the APAC region and Luxembourg to optimise global cash positions. This structure delivered standard pooling benefits such as consolidated cash visibility, reduced idle balances and interest optimisation. However, the company relied on traditional banking channels that were not instantaneous and operated exclusively within banking hours.
FedEx needed a solution that would eliminate these timing constraints and provide true 24/7/365 access to its global liquidity. The company aimed to minimise trapped cash, reduce reliance on overdraft facilities, and gain the ability to quickly shift funds regardless of time or day – especially during weekends, holidays and after banking cutoff times.
The solution
The solution evolved in three phases:
Phase 1 – FedEx used its traditional notional pooling structure that has been in place for years, connecting Luxembourg and APAC through conventional rails. End-of-day excess funds from APAC were swept to Luxembourg when Europe came online, allowing Europe to use Asia’s excess funds during its business day. Then, any surplus was returned to Asia when needed through a ‘follow the sun’ approach.
Phase 2 – in 2023, FedEx became the first corporate client to test and implement the J.P. Morgan Payments blockchain technology through Kinexys (formally known as JPM Coin by Onyx) for its treasury operations. By taking this next step, FedEx gained the ability to manually move funds between pool locations in real-time, unrestricted by banking hours or holidays – achieving true 24/7/365 liquidity access.
Phase 3 – in February 2025, FedEx implemented programmable payments functionality through the blockchain platform. Although the previous phases of change to its treasury increased liquidity access, these solutions still depended on manual intervention. This third enhancement automates the movement of funds between APAC and Luxembourg based on predefined parameters, enabling the cash pooling to work in a blockchain solution rather than using the traditional technology.
The system uses time-based logic to trigger transfers in real-time and automatically maintains optimal liquidity positions across regions. Treasury staff no longer manually initiate one-off transfers, and they retain the ability to override rules or adjust when needed.
Best practice and innovation
FedEx is revolutionising its treasury operations with blockchain technology. By adopting Kinexys and programmable payments into its notional pooling strategy, FedEx is setting a new standard in global liquidity management that other multinational corporations are likely to emulate.
The solution eliminates traditional banking constraints. By integrating Kinexys blockchain programmable payments with notional pooling, FedEx achieves real-time liquidity movements that operate continuously, regardless of banking hours, cut-off times or holidays. By efficiently channelling intra-day excess liquidity from the APAC region to Luxembourg, FedEx optimises its cash positions across these strategic hubs.
With the programmable payment functionality, the company can handle routine decisions systematically with predefined rules, while still maintaining strategic oversight. This ensures treasury can swiftly adapt to changing market conditions or business needs, making exceptions to automated processes when necessary.
“Moreover, we have enhanced our risk mitigation capabilities, with the ability to instantly move funds across geographies at any time. This agility secures the company’s financial operations and positions our company at the forefront of treasury innovation,” explains Rebeca Wiadacz, Director of Global Cash Management.
Key benefits
Cost savings.
Process efficiencies.
Increased automation.
Risk mitigated.
Improved visibility.
Errors reduced.
Manual intervention reduced.
Future-proof solution.
“At FedEx, being able to track a shipment is what we do. To me, it was almost inconceivable that, in the 21st century, payments still get lost. When we discovered the availability of blockchain technology that can make real-time payments, I said, ‘Yes, please! I want to jump in,’” concludes Wiadacz.
Brenda Allen
Executive Director, Payments Sales Manager, J.P. Morgan
In much the same way as FedEx moves packages around the globe, the FedEx treasury team continues to look for faster ways to track and move cash globally. The team was the first to integrate J.P. Morgan’s Kinexys blockchain solution into a global cash pool for true 24/7/365 real-time money movement – regardless of weekends, holidays and banking cut-off times. Another “first” occurred when programmability was layered on top to automate cash movement based on predefined parameters and situational triggers. Both approaches demonstrate how FedEx continues to carry its cash management to the next level and exemplify innovation at its best. We applaud FedEx’s efforts and are honoured to be its partner in cutting edge solutions.
in partnership with
The Adam Smith Awards are the industry benchmark for best practice and innovation in corporate treasury. The 2025 awards attracted 454 nominations. To find out more please visit treasurytoday.com/adam-smith-awards
Please enter the email that you signed up with below. If your email is
connected to a member account, we will send you a reset link.
This website uses cookies and asks for your personal data to enhance your browsing experience. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your data is handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
