In many fast-growing economies worldwide, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) depend on efficient cross-border payment solutions for success. While various options exist, Ant International’s platform is experiencing notable growth.
Global Transactions Surpass Two Billion
Ant International processed more than 2 billion cross-border transactions in 2025, many originating from rapidly expanding markets such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
This platform serves over 50 million merchants globally—most of them SMBs—through its Alipay+ and Antom platforms. These solutions enable merchants to accept a variety of QR, mobile, and card payments. Ant International aims to expand further in regions like the Middle East and Latin America.
Unifying Gateway for Seamless Payments
In addition to cross-border payments, Alipay+ acts as a unified wallet gateway, connecting global merchants with diverse payment methods. This service should not be confused with China’s dominant Alipay consumer app.
These super apps have expanded well beyond just payments, offering virtually all consumer needs in one place. One of Ant International’s goals is to develop similar digital wallet and super app ecosystems in other markets. Alipay+ already integrates with many leading domestic mobile systems, such as Indonesia’s DANA and Thailand’s TrueMoney.
Overcoming Challenges in Global Payments
The increasing demand for cross-border payments has been driven by streamlined global communications. However, international transactions have long faced challenges including high fees, low visibility, and slow settlement times.
Connecting domestic mobile and real-time payment systems is proposed as a solution to these issues. For instance, the European Union recently unveiled plans to link its real-time payments system with India’s UPI for cross-border payments.
Ant International, as a global payments ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to play a significant role in the market. Its mobile payments infrastructure and blockchain technology are expected to enhance efficiency and bring digital asset capabilities to its platform.
Innovative Pilot Programs
A case in point is Ant International’s partnership with HSBC to pilot cross-border tokenized deposit transfers over the Swift network, utilizing Ant International’s blockchain.
