Ant International has secured a Class A Money Services Business licence from Bank Negara Malaysia, enabling it to conduct operations in the country. This development allows WorldFirst, its digital cross-border payment and treasury account service, to expand its offerings within Malaysia.
With this licence, WorldFirst aims to enhance its services related to international payments, particularly focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) effectively manage their cross-border transactions. The approval underscores WorldFirst’s commitment to support businesses looking to grow both domestically and internationally within the Malaysian market.
Recent trends indicate that Malaysian merchants are increasingly interested in multi-currency solutions and are more open to adopting a variety of payment methods compared to their regional counterparts. These merchants prioritize quick transaction settlements, favorable foreign exchange rates, and a broad range of financial product options.
In response to these specific market needs, WorldFirst is dedicated to providing customized solutions that emphasize global reach, secure transactions, and operational effectiveness. Central to these offerings is the World Account, which combines various services including global payments, collections, foreign exchange conversion, and treasury management. This singular account allows sellers to easily collect payments from over 130 marketplaces, such as Amazon and Walmart, while also providing buyers with straightforward payment options for international purchases.
To bolster its support for SMEs aiming for global growth, WorldFirst has initiated localized operations within Malaysia. This strategy reflects an investment effort to tap into local tech talent, enhancing innovative solutions on a global scale.
A representative expressed that receiving the licence represents a significant achievement in WorldFirst’s commitment to Southeast Asia. It enhances the ability to provide secure and compliant cross-border financial services to SMEs in the region, positively contributing to the evolving digital ecosystem.
As of 2025, WorldFirst is drawing on its extensive experience, having served over 1.2 million SMEs worldwide. This includes launching the World Card in partnership with Mastercard, which is designed to facilitate ease and security in financial transactions, allowing SMEs to scale their operations efficiently while managing expenses effectively.