Key points
- Ant International is seeking a $1 billion funding round as its international payments operations expand rapidly.
- The Singapore fintech operator is targeting a $10 billion valuation after sustainable profitability.
- The Alipay+ payment ecosystem now operates in more than 100 global markets.
- The Whale blockchain infrastructure powers treasury operations and settlement systems.
- Regulatory applications for stablecoin licenses represent a strategic advance.
Ant International has entered preliminary discussions for a US$1 billion capital raise, as its international payments operations gain traction in critical markets around the world. The Singapore-based fintech division is poised for a valuation exceeding $10 billion. This strategic initiative comes after recording profitability for eight consecutive quarters, in addition to the increasing volume of cross-border payments.
The global fintech unit is pursuing a major financing initiative
Ant Group’s international division has begun preliminary talks with potential investors regarding a fresh capital injection. These funds will accelerate the expansion of blockchain-enabled payment infrastructure, merchant services platforms, and settlement systems. Fundraising efforts show growth accelerating outside Chinese domestic markets.
according to BloombergAnt International recorded approximately US$3.7 billion in revenue throughout 2025. This represents a revenue expansion of approximately 25% year over year. While the international unit accounts for about 10% of Ant Group’s total revenue, its expansion rate is outperforming the domestic business.
Operating from its headquarters in Singapore with an independent Board of Directors, Ant International has emerged as a cornerstone of Ant Group’s international strategy. A successful capital raising could enhance the prospects of an eventual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
International payment networks fuel revenue growth
The Alipay+ platform serves as the foundation of Ant International’s global payment strategy. This interconnected system connects local digital wallets and payment platforms across more than 100 countries. The network facilitates connections between more than 150 million merchants and nearly 2 billion consumers globally.
This approach allows consumers to transact using their favorite local payment apps while merchants receive settlements in local currencies. This infrastructure reduces payment complexity in tourism, retail operations and online commerce. They enable simultaneously Ant International To achieve significant scale without relying on a single market focus.
The company’s portfolio extends beyond Alipay+ to include Antom, WorldFirst and Bettr for comprehensive global commerce solutions. Antom makes it easier for merchants to access services for multinational companies, while WorldFirst targets small business operators. Betr provides credit facilities and currency exchange services to small business clients.
Blockchain infrastructure supports the development of settlement
Ant International It has significantly developed Whale, the blockchain infrastructure that supports the company’s payment processing and treasury functions. Internal company data revealed over $1 trillion in transaction volume were processed through the network during 2024. Nearly a third of these transactions leveraged blockchain technology.
The organization conducted pilot programs with Standard Chartered Bank to manage liquidity in Singapore dollar denominations. Previous pilot initiatives also included the settlement of the Hong Kong dollar through various financial channels. Both institutions are actively participating in the Ensemble Sandbox program in Hong Kong to explore coding applications.
Through a partnership with Circle, Ant International has integrated USDC into parts of its cross-border payment architecture. This integration allows certain transactions to be settled via blockchain networks instead of traditional banking infrastructure. Looking to the future, Ant International intends to pursue stablecoin licensing in the jurisdictions of Hong Kong, Singapore and Luxembourg.
