Ant International has officially received approval from Bank Negara Malaysia to operate under a Class A Money Services Business (MSB) licence, marking a significant step in its expansion across Southeast Asia. The licence allows its cross-border digital payments subsidiary, WorldFirst, to deliver enhanced payment and treasury services in Malaysia – particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating international markets.
This milestone reinforces WorldFirst’s growing presence in the region and adds to its portfolio of over 60 licences across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
“The licence marks a significant milestone in WorldFirst’s commitment to Southeast Asia. More importantly, it enables us to better serve Southeast Asian SMEs with secure, compliant cross-border financial services while contributing to the region’s digital ecosystem,” said Clara Shi, Vice President of Ant International and CEO of WorldFirst.
Supporting Malaysia’s Digital Economy and Global Trade Ambitions
Malaysia’s digital economy is experiencing rapid growth. According to the The Going-Global: Seizing the Next Great Opportunity in Digital Trade report (Deloitte & WorldFirst), the country is a high-potential digital trade market, with e-commerce GMV expected to hit USD $16 billion by 2025 and $25 billion by 2030.
With more Malaysian merchants adopting multi-currency solutions, diverse payment methods, and prioritizing faster settlement, FX hedging, and flexible financial products, WorldFirst is well-positioned to address these evolving needs.
Key Features: Multi-Currency Capabilities and Treasury Tools in One Platform
At the heart of the offering is the World Account, an all-in-one platform for international payments, collections, currency conversion, and treasury management. Through the World Account, sellers can:
- Collect funds from over 130 global marketplaces (including Amazon and Walmart)
- Pay international suppliers with ease
- Manage FX conversion and treasury functions in one account
The company has also established localized operations in Malaysia to offer tailored SME support, aligning with Ant International’s broader strategy of building local partnerships and digital infrastructure.
WorldFirst’s continued investment in product innovation includes tools like the World Card, launched in partnership with Mastercard. Although currently available in select markets, the card provides SMEs with a secure, efficient way to manage global payments and operational spending. WorldFirst has served over 1.2 million SMEs worldwide, offering payment capabilities in over 100 currencies across 210+ countries.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Role in Global E-Commerce
With the MSB licence now in hand, WorldFirst is poised to play a greater role in Malaysia’s fintech landscape, offering digital-native exporters a secure and efficient gateway to global markets. This move also reflects Malaysia’s growing appeal as a regional fintech hub for cross-border trade, payments innovation, and digital economy enablement.
