SINGAPORE, 07 November 2025 – Ant International’s WorldFirst, an all-in-one digital cross-border payment and treasury account service for global businesses, has announced a strategic partnership with OCBC, the second-largest financial services group in Southeast Asia.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 29 October 2025, both parties committed to supporting WorldFirst’s base of 1.2 million SME customers in conducting cross-border trade and managing international payments more efficiently and cost-effectively across Southeast Asia.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time, as trade flows between Greater China and Southeast Asia continue to expand, increasing the demand for a more resilient and integrated cross-border payment ecosystem for SMEs.
The MoU was signed in Singapore by Clara Shi, Vice President of Ant International and CEO of WorldFirst, and Melvyn Low, Head of Global Transaction Banking at OCBC.
OCBC currently powers the World Account service in Singapore and Hong Kong. Under the new agreement, this partnership will be extended to Malaysia and Indonesia, which are both key markets for OCBC and high-growth destinations for SMEs in the region.
Through WorldFirst’s World Account, SMEs can collect payments in 14 major currencies, including SGD, USD, CNH, HKD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, CAD, NZD, CHF, SEK, DKK, and NOK, and make payments in over 100 currencies across 210 countries and regions. The platform integrates foreign exchange and treasury services, providing businesses with a comprehensive, one-stop solution for cross-border payments and cash management.
Additionally, OCBC customers can enjoy fee-free transfers from their OCBC accounts into the World Account, further reducing transaction costs and enhancing payment convenience.
“The deepened partnership with OCBC is a key step in strengthening WorldFirst’s regional financial network,” said Clara Shi, Vice President of Ant International and CEO of WorldFirst. “By integrating OCBC’s market-leading presence in Southeast Asia, we can better support local SMEs with compelling benefits and unlock more efficient, accessible, and innovative financial services across the region.”
Melvyn Low, Head of Global Transaction Banking at OCBC, added: “We are glad to strengthen our partnership with Ant International and WorldFirst. Together, we share a strong commitment to empowering SMEs across Southeast Asia with cost-effective financial solutions that drive their growth. By combining our strengths, we aim to accelerate the region’s digital economy and contribute meaningfully to Southeast Asia’s economic development.”
In 2025, WorldFirst accelerated its Southeast Asia expansion with an official launch in Thailand and the acquisition of a Money Services Business (MSB) licence in Malaysia. The strengthened partnership with OCBC further enhances its regional service capabilities, positioning WorldFirst as a key enabler of SME trade and digital finance across Southeast Asia.
