As global e-commerce continues to thrive, small businesses face mounting challenges in managing cross-border transactions. High costs, complex compliance requirements, and security risks have traditionally hindered international expansion for SMEs. However, fintech solutions like WorldFirst are transforming the landscape, offering digital accounts that streamline global payments while reducing operational barriers.
WorldFirst, a global cross-border payment and financial services platform, is providing SMEs with a one-stop solution to facilitate international transactions. The company has supported over one million businesses worldwide, processing $100 billion (Dh367 billion) in transactions in 2024 alone—four times the volume recorded in 2020.
“When payments become cross-border, the complexities increase significantly,”
said Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst and Vice President of Ant International.
“This is particularly challenging for SMEs, which often lack the resources to maintain a dedicated finance team to manage these intricacies. Broad global coverage, efficient solutions, and robust security are the three essential elements for addressing the key pain points faced by SMEs.”
Global Accounts: A Game-Changer for SMEs
To capitalize on the booming e-commerce market, projected to reach $7.9 trillion by 2030, businesses require a seamless payment infrastructure. WorldFirst has partnered with major financial institutions, including Citi, HSBC, and JPMorgan, to provide multi-currency accounts that enable transactions in over 100 currencies across 200 countries and regions.
Through WorldFirst’s platform, SMEs can:
- Open an international business account within minutes.
- Pay and collect funds in over 30 currencies.
- Manage liquidity through integrated treasury services.
- Access green-lane store openings on nearly 30 e-commerce sites, including Amazon and Walmart Marketplace.
By leveraging its 60+ global financial licenses and 30 worldwide offices, WorldFirst ensures compliance with varying regulatory frameworks, making it easier for businesses to expand internationally.
High transaction fees and unfavorable exchange rates have long posed financial hurdles for SMEs. According to McKinsey’s Global Payments Report, cross-border payment costs typically range between 5% and 10%, while traditional onboarding processes can take up to four weeks, as per the World Bank’s Doing Business report.
WorldFirst addresses these challenges by offering competitive exchange rates and quick digital onboarding, eliminating excessive financial burdens on small businesses. The company’s services have earned top ratings on Trustpilot, with nearly 3,000 customers rating it in the highest category of “great.”
AI-Powered Security for Global Transactions
With cyber threats and deepfake fraud on the rise, secure financial transactions are a priority for SMEs. WorldFirst’s AI-driven risk control system, developed by Ant International, helps identify fraudulent transactions and enhances digital security. The system’s e-KYC function boasts a deepfake interception success rate of over 99%, with fraud rates below 1bps and zero account theft reported.
Beyond security, AI also enhances customer service efficiency. WorldFirst’s AI-powered support system handles nearly half of customer inquiries across multiple languages, improving response times and client satisfaction.
Recognizing the Middle East as a key strategic market, Ant International recently opened its first regional office in Saudi Arabia in February 2025. The expansion aims to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and introduce innovative financial solutions to support digital transformation in the region.
Ant International, recently operating independently from Ant Group, is scaling its presence across 200 global markets, serving over 90 million merchants through its suite of financial solutions, including Alipay+, Antom, and embedded finance.
The Future of Cross-Border Payments for SMEs
As digital commerce continues to grow, small businesses must adopt agile, secure, and cost-efficient financial solutions to remain competitive. Platforms like WorldFirst are playing a crucial role in democratizing international payments, enabling SMEs to expand their reach and optimize operations globally.
With digital financial solutions evolving rapidly, the future of cross-border transactions is poised for even greater efficiency and accessibility, paving the way for SMEs to compete in the global marketplace with confidence.
For further news, visit WorldFirst Official Website and Ant International Official Website.
