Ant International has announced significant advancements in its payment ecosystem, leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance its digital finance offerings. The company reported robust growth across its four main business pillars: Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and Embedded Finance, marking 2024 as a transformative year for the organization.
Key Takeaways
- Ant International’s four main business pillars are Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and Embedded Finance.
- The company aims to drive inclusive growth through AI-powered innovation.
- Alipay+ has expanded its wallet-based payment solutions, connecting over 90 million merchants globally.
- Antom has nearly doubled its total payment volume in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- WorldFirst has achieved an annual total payment volume of $100 billion, marking significant growth since its acquisition.
Overview of Ant International’s Growth
Ant International, headquartered in Singapore, has made substantial strides in its digital payment and financial technology services. The company has focused on enhancing its ecosystem through innovative solutions that cater to a diverse range of clients and partners.
Alipay+: Leading the Charge in Digital Payments
Alipay+ has emerged as a leader in the mobile payment sector, collaborating with 35 major payment partners. This initiative connects over 90 million merchants across 66 markets to 1.6 billion user accounts. Key highlights include:
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with national QR schemes in various countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea.
- Focus on SMEs: Over 90% of global merchants accepting QR code payments via Alipay+ are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Cross-Border Transactions: A threefold increase in cross-border transactions year-on-year, showcasing Alipay’s leadership in the market.
Antom: Revolutionizing Merchant Payment Solutions
Antom has positioned itself as a leading provider of merchant payment and digitization services. The company has reported impressive growth metrics:
- Total Payment Volume: Nearly doubled between January and November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Innovative Solutions: Introduction of Antom Copilot, which significantly reduces payment channel integration time, and Antom EasySafePay, which streamlines digital wallet payments.
WorldFirst: A One-Stop Digital Payment Platform
WorldFirst has transformed into a premier digital payment and financial services platform for global businesses. Notable achievements include:
- Annual Total Payment Volume: Reached $100 billion in 2024, quadrupling its volume since 2020.
- Global Reach: Served over 1 million SMEs globally, with a total payment volume exceeding $300 billion.
Embedded Finance: The Future of Financial Solutions
The newly established Embedded Finance segment is set to deepen Ant International’s ecosystem by offering a variety of AI-powered fintech solutions. Key features include:
- AI and Blockchain Integration: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies for secure, end-to-end embedded finance solutions.
- Inclusive Lending: The introduction of the bettr brand, which provides uncollateralized loan services to underserved micro businesses and individuals in emerging markets.
Looking Ahead
As Ant International continues to innovate and expand its services, CEO Peng Yang emphasizes the company’s commitment to supporting SMEs with AI-powered solutions. The focus for 2025 will be on enhancing cross-border payment capabilities and fostering collaboration across public and private sectors to drive inclusive growth in the digital finance landscape.