WorldFirst partners with over 30 financial institutions worldwide, enhancing its unified global account for SMEs and creating new growth opportunities with its partners.
Ant International’s WorldFirst, a global cross-border payment and treasury account platform, has partnered with OCBC, Southeast Asia’s second-largest financial services group, to make international trade and payments easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
The partnership, formalized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 October 2025, aims to support WorldFirst’s 1.2 million SME customers by providing simpler, faster, and more cost-effective cross-border payment solutions across Southeast Asia.
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As trade between Greater China and Southeast Asia continues to grow, this collaboration comes at a critical time enhancing financial connectivity and creating a more resilient cross-border payment ecosystem for regional businesses.
Currently, OCBC powers WorldFirst’s World Account in Singapore and Hong Kong. Under the new agreement, this support will extend to Malaysia and Indonesia key markets for both institutions and major hubs for SME trade.
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Through the World Account, SMEs can collect payments in 14 major currencies (including SGD, USD, CNH, EUR, and GBP) and make transfers in 100+ currencies across 210+ countries and regions. The platform also integrates FX and treasury services, offering an all-in-one cross-border payments and cash management solution.
Additionally, OCBC customers will benefit from fee-free transfers into their World Accounts, enabling more affordable and seamless international transactions.
“By integrating OCBC’s strong presence in Southeast Asia, we can better support SMEs with efficient, accessible, and innovative financial services,” said Clara Shi, Vice President of Ant International and CEO of WorldFirst.
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Melvyn Low, Head of Global Transaction Banking at OCBC, added: “Together, we’re committed to empowering SMEs with cost-effective financial tools that drive growth and contribute to Southeast Asia’s digital economy.”
The partnership comes as WorldFirst accelerates its expansion in Southeast Asia, following its launch in Thailand and the acquisition of an MSB licence in Malaysia. The collaboration with OCBC further strengthens its ability to deliver scalable, cross-border financial solutions tailored for the region’s fast-growing SME sector.
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