Ant International completed a Series A funding round from July 19 to 21, raising $1.2 billion, backed by its parent Ant Group, Alibaba Group Holding, and international institutional investors [1, 2, 3]. The company plans to use the proceeds to expand across cross-border payments, merchant payment, account management, AI-enabled commerce, and other financial services targeted at small businesses globally [1, 2, 3].
Launched as an independent entity in 2024 with its own board, Ant International operates through four main business units: Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and Bettr. These units provide cross-border payments, treasury management, credit technology, and AI-powered tools for merchants and users [2, 3]. The company currently connects over 150 million merchants to more than 2 billion user accounts across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America [2].
Ant International generated $3 billion in revenue in 2024 and saw roughly 25% growth in 2025, according to people familiar with the matter [3]. For its Series A round, the company sought a valuation of $10 billion or more as part of preparations for a potential listing in Hong Kong [3]. In March 2026, Ant Group won regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to acquire Hong Kong-based Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group [3].
Alongside its financial services ventures, Ant Group has invested in technologies including large language models, humanoid robots, and a healthcare app with 140 million users [3].
Ant International’s next steps include executing its global expansion plans fueled by the recent capital raise and advancing its listing plans in Hong Kong.
