Shield raised $5 million in seed funding to continue building its neobank for global trade businesses. The company helps exporters accept payments from international buyers in USDT stablecoins and settle them as same-day U.S. dollar wires. “Businesses get the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments without the constant fear of account closures and unwarranted delays. It also enables them to trade in entirely new markets.” Shield processed over $150 million in cross-border payments in its first year and $40 million in the last month alone. With its new funding, the company will expand its licensing coverage, strengthen compliance, launch “USDT-friendly” bank accounts and other banking products, and enter new trade industries. “We see a world where global trade payments are as fast as domestic wires, where compliance opens doors rather than closes them, and where exporters from every corner of the world can enjoy a banking and payments experience that finally optimizes for them,” Shield said. “Shield will build the infrastructure to make it happen—and this raise is just the start.” Shield’s banking services are provided by Cross River Bank and Lead Bank through licensed partners, according to the post.