SMEs Shocked: XDC Network Cuts Payment Fees in Half, Gives Australia a New Economy!

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Closing the Gap: <a href="https://investment-policy.com/xdc-usd/">XDC</a> Network’s Sean White on Why SMEs Deserve Better Payment Infrastructure

This interview was sponsored by XDC Network and produced by TopMob in partnership with XDC Network.

Australia’s 2.5 million medium-sized businesses generate a major part of the country’s GDP. Yet most still use fashioned payment systems. XDC Network, a global blockchain network, wants to change that. They are working with AUDDapt, a grant program. This program gives small Australian businesses access to cheaper and more transparent ways to move money. In this interview with Bitcoin.com News, Sean White of XDC Network shares his perspective on why SMEs deserve better payment infrastructure and what needs to change.

Q: What is AUDDapt, and why did XDC Network decide to get involved?

Sean White: AUDDapt is a grant program launched by AUDC, the regulated issuer of AUDD, arguably Australia’s only regulated digital currency backed 1:1 by the Australian dollar, helping small and medium-sized businesses access modern digital payment tools. XDC Network is the strategic infrastructure partner, which means businesses that opt into the XDC track will gain direct access to our blockchain ecosystem alongside their grant funding and technical support. Our decision to collaborate was straightforward. There are 2.5 million small businesses in Australia contributing a major part of GDP, yet the majority still rely on traditional payment systems that have not changed in decades. AUDDapt gave us a practical, structured way to change and make their cash work smarter.

How does the XDC Network help small businesses with their payment processing?

As a researcher focusing on SME challenges, I’ve consistently found that cross-border payments create significant hurdles due to high costs, slow processing times, and a lack of transparency. The traditional system relies on many intermediaries, each adding fees and delays – a transaction that should be nearly instant can easily take days. Businesses often have no clear idea where their money is during this process. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of XDC Network. It’s designed to directly tackle these issues by settling transactions in seconds at a significantly lower cost, while providing complete transparency throughout. The AUDDapt-XDC track is specifically making this infrastructure accessible to SMEs, and our strong ecosystem partners are adding even more value.

The program utilizes AUDD, but what exactly does it do? Also, why is it beneficial to have a digital currency that’s regulated within a specific local area?

The AUDD stablecoin is what separates the AUDDapt Initiative from any other grant program targeting small businesses. Most digital payment initiatives ask SMEs to transact in foreign-issued currencies that sit outside local regulatory frameworks. AUDD does the opposite; backed 1:1 by the Australian dollar and fully regulated and issued by our partners at AUDC specifically for the local businesses. This distinction matters right now. Australia is at a pivotal moment in its digital payments journey, regulators are moving and businesses are watching, and the question of which digital currencies can be trusted is very much relevant. In fact, recently, a significant amendment to our Corporations Act was passed by both levels of Government. For the first time, we have a legislative framework that directly addresses digital asset platforms, and it provides long-awaited clarity for businesses, investors and regulators – marking a shift from uncertainty toward implementation. It is no coincidence that AUDDapt already operates within a compliant, locally regulated framework. This gives businesses the confidence to move forward at a time when regulatory clarity is still relatively emerging..

As an analyst, I’m often asked what value XDC Network offers businesses beyond just the grant money if they choose the XDC track. It’s more than just funding; XDC provides a robust and scalable blockchain solution built for real-world trade finance and digital asset applications. Businesses gain access to a network designed for speed and low transaction costs, a developer-friendly environment, and a growing ecosystem focused on interoperability. Essentially, it’s a platform that streamlines processes, reduces costs, and opens up new opportunities in the digital economy, all underpinned by a secure and transparent blockchain infrastructure.

Sean White: Blockchain changes the way money moves. Settlements that take days through traditional banking happen in seconds. Fees that erode margins on every cross-border payment drop to a fraction of traditional costs. And business owners gain real-time visibility over every transaction, something the traditional system has rarely delivered at the SME level. Through XDC track, AUDDapt shares one of the cheapest and fastest, and most secure operational Web3 infrastructures directly with Australian small businesses. Those who opt in and are accepted by AUDC into the XDC track gain direct access to a network already running at an institutional scale worldwide leveraging XDC Network’s considerable global and local footprints into supply chain, international trade, and global payment ecosystems.

Q: Beyond the initial cohort, what is XDC Network ultimately trying to prove with AUDDapt?

For too long, there’s been a significant difference in what large companies and small businesses can achieve with payments, but it’s not due to a lack of technology. The technology already exists – the XDC Network has been successfully using it for years at a large scale. What’s been missing is the drive to make it available to everyone. AUDDapt aims to change that. By enabling an Australian business to use infrastructure that processes international payments in seconds at significantly lower costs, we’re not just helping one company; we’re demonstrating how all small and medium-sized businesses should operate. We’re building a case for a new standard in SME finance, and the government’s recent actions in Parliament show they are also committed to building a digital economy.

If an Australian small business owner is wondering about AUDDapt but isn’t sure if it’s a good fit, I’d say it’s worth exploring how it can streamline their accounting and potentially save them time and money. It’s designed to simplify finances, so it’s a good idea to see if its features align with their specific needs.

AUDDapt isn’t meant for tech professionals; it’s for Australian businesses that regularly send money internationally and want to do so more quickly and affordably. The program provides all the necessary funding, technical support, and infrastructure. We’re looking for businesses facing real challenges with cross-border payments and are open to trying new solutions. It’s surprisingly easy for small business owners to get involved – that’s exactly what AUDDapt aims to demonstrate.

About XDC Network

XDC Network is an open-source, EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain built for payments, trade finance and real-world assets, offering high throughput, low fees and enterprise-grade security, while being ISO 20022–compliant to support interoperability with global financial messaging and payment systems. XDC Network underpins a growing ecosystem of regulated digital money, trade, and settlement solutions across the globe.

About AUDC:

AUDC Pty Ltd is a regulated issuer of AUDD, Australian dollar-backed stablecoin. Headquartered in Melbourne, AUDC is focused on building trusted, compliant digital currency infrastructure for Australian businesses and consumers.

Media Contact

Rachna Baruah | rachna@xinfon.org

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2026-04-06 20:00