28th October, 2026
By Anjali Kochhar
Ant International and Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cross-border payment services and explore business expansion opportunities across Japan, Singapore, and Southeast Asia.
Announced on October 26, the agreement aims to improve international transaction efficiency, streamline treasury management, and support businesses operating across multiple markets. The partnership comes amid growing demand for faster and more transparent financial services as companies expand their global operations.
SMBC to Support Ant International’s Alipay+, Antom and WorldFirst
Under the agreement, SMBC will leverage its transaction banking expertise and international network to support Ant International’s major financial technology platforms, including Alipay+, Antom, and WorldFirst.
Alipay+ facilitates cross-border mobile payments and digitalisation services, enabling businesses to connect with international consumers. Antom provides payment processing and digital solutions for merchants, while WorldFirst offers global account services designed to simplify international business transactions.
Through the collaboration, SMBC intends to strengthen the financial infrastructure supporting these platforms while helping Ant International improve its cross-border payment and treasury operations.
Ant International and SMBC Explore Whale RTP Integration
A significant component of the partnership involves exploring the integration of Ant International’s Whale RTP platform with SMBC’s digital payment and asset solutions.
The proposed collaboration is expected to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and liquidity management across Ant International’s global business entities. It could also help streamline internal fund transfers and support more effective management of financial resources across different jurisdictions.
The companies will examine technical and commercial opportunities to connect their respective financial technologies, potentially creating more efficient systems for managing international payments and corporate liquidity.
What the Partnership Means for Cross-Border Payments in Asia
The agreement reflects broader developments in Asia’s financial technology sector, where traditional banking institutions are increasingly collaborating with digital payment providers to modernise transaction infrastructure.
As international supply chains become more interconnected, businesses face growing challenges involving payment processing, cash management, and financial visibility across markets.
Partnerships combining established banking networks with digital financial platforms could help address these challenges while supporting regional trade and commercial expansion.
For SMBC, the agreement represents another opportunity to strengthen its transaction banking capabilities through technological collaboration. For Ant International, it offers access to established banking expertise that could support the expansion and operational efficiency of its payment ecosystem.
Although specific implementation timelines and financial commitments have not been disclosed, the partnership signals continued investment in modernising cross-border financial infrastructure.
The collaboration could contribute to a more connected payments ecosystem across Asia as businesses increasingly seek efficient, scalable, and technology-driven international financial services.
