Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Global financial technology company Airwallex has secured regulatory approvals from Bank Negara Malaysia, enabling the firm to proceed with a full commercial launch of its services in Malaysia.
The approvals include licences for e-money issuance and a Class A licence, allowing Airwallex to provide a broader suite of payment and financial services in the country. The development allows businesses operating in Malaysia to access the company’s full platform, which supports cross-border payments and financial operations.
“Malaysia is a strategic market for Airwallex, and these approvals enable us to bring our full financial infrastructure to businesses on the ground,” said Arnold Chan, General Manager, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Airwallex. “We’re excited to support local businesses in scaling internationally, and to play a role in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a hub for regional and global growth.”
With the new licences, Airwallex said it will be able to deliver a wider range of financial infrastructure services beyond payments, including multi-currency accounts, foreign exchange (FX), and other financial tools designed for businesses operating across borders.
The regulatory approvals build on the company’s existing Class B Money Services Business licence and its Registered Merchant Acquirer status in Malaysia. According to Airwallex, the additional licences enable it to offer a more comprehensive set of financial services locally.
The company has also been expanding its presence in the country. Airwallex reported that its Malaysia team grew by 66% in 2025 and that it recently moved into a larger office space capable of accommodating more than 160 employees. The company plans to double its local headcount throughout 2026.
Airwallex said the expansion comes amid increasing cross-border activity among Malaysian businesses. The company processed more than RM2 billion in remittance transaction volume in 2025, reflecting demand from firms operating internationally.
“As one of the few full-stack, non-bank players with this level of regulatory coverage, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses as they grow beyond borders,” Chan said. “From helping companies manage multi-currency collections to enabling seamless global payouts at scale, we provide the infrastructure businesses need to operate more efficiently and with greater control.”
Malaysia’s digital economy is projected to contribute 30% of the country’s GDP by 2030, with continued growth expected in e-commerce and cross-border trade. The expansion of financial infrastructure platforms is seen as supporting businesses seeking to operate internationally while managing multi-currency transactions more efficiently.
