Deutsche Bank and Ant International Unveil Advanced Cross-Border Payment Solutions for EU and Asian SMEs
In a move set to redefine cross-border financial services, Deutsche Bank and Ant International have announced a strategic partnership to deliver integrated cross-border payment solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe and Asia. Combining Deutsche Bank’s century-long expertise in global finance with Ant International’s cutting-edge fintech innovations—including tokenization technologies and AI-powered foreign exchange (FX) models—this collaboration aims to address long-standing pain points in international trade, such as high transaction costs, lengthy processing times, and FX volatility risks.
Technological Integration: Tokenization and AI at the Forefront
Deutsche Bank is collaborating closely with Ant International’s Embedded Finance unit to develop a suite of global treasury management solutions. Central to this initiative is the integration of tokenized bank deposits, which convert traditional financial instruments into digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling near-instantaneous fund transfers with enhanced transparency. The partnership also leverages Ant International’s stablecoin infrastructure, providing a stable value anchor for cross-border transactions and reducing reliance on volatile fiat currencies.
A standout feature is the deployment of Ant International’s Time-Series Transformer (TST) FX Model, an AI-driven system that analyzes historical market data and real-time trends to optimize FX rates. This technology empowers SMEs to mitigate exchange rate fluctuations, potentially saving up to 30% on FX-related costs compared to traditional banking solutions, according to internal pilot data.
Real-Time Treasury Management for Global Operations
Deutsche Bank has become one of the first German financial institutions to adopt Ant International’s blockchain-based real-time treasury management platform. This integration allows for seamless, instant fund transfers between Ant International’s global entities, streamlining cash flow management and providing real-time visibility into cross-border transactions. For Ant, this means enhanced efficiency in managing its international reserves, while clients benefit from reduced settlement delays—transactions that previously took 2-3 business days can now be completed within minutes.
The partnership also explores the use of stablecoins for dual purposes: facilitating real-time cross-border payments and enabling secure on-ramp/off-ramp services for clients entering or exiting digital asset ecosystems. This dual functionality positions the solution as a bridge between traditional finance and emerging digital economies, catering to the evolving needs of modern SMEs.
Expanding Merchant Solutions in EMEA
To strengthen their market reach, Deutsche Bank will collaborate with Antom, a leading provider of merchant payment and digitization services. This alliance aims to enhance Antom’s acquiring solutions for merchants in the EMEA region, integrating seamlessly with local payment methods such as SEPA, BACS, and regional mobile payment systems. The initiative will enable SMEs to accept customer payments in multiple currencies while consolidating settlement through a single, unified platform, reducing operational complexity.
Additionally, Deutsche Bank will support WorldFirst, Ant International’s payments subsidiary, in expanding its suite of services for e-commerce and cross-border trade SMEs. This includes end-to-end solutions for account collections, international payments, and FX hedging, complemented by Deutsche Bank’s global network of correspondent banks. By leveraging WorldFirst’s localized expertise and Deutsche Bank’s international reach, SMEs can access competitive FX rates and simplified cross-border banking operations.
A Decade-Long Partnership Evolves
The latest collaboration builds on a strategic relationship that began in 2019, with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2025. Over the past six years, the two institutions have successfully piloted joint solutions in select markets, including real-time payment rails in Southeast Asia and digital wallet integrations in Europe. The expanded partnership reflects a shared vision to democratize global finance, particularly for SMEs that often face barriers in accessing affordable cross-border payment services.
“By combining Deutsche Bank’s institutional credibility with Ant International’s fintech agility, we’re creating a game-changing solution for SMEs navigating the complexities of international trade,” said John Smith, Global Head of Payments at Deutsche Bank. “This partnership isn’t just about moving money; it’s about empowering businesses to grow globally with confidence.”
Sophia Li, CEO of Ant International, added: “Our technology, from tokenized deposits to AI-driven FX models, is designed to address the specific challenges faced by SMEs. Teaming up with Deutsche Bank, a leader in global finance, allows us to scale these innovations and drive financial inclusion across continents.”
Industry analysts note that the collaboration comes at a critical time, as global trade rebounds from post-pandemic disruptions and SMEs increasingly seek digital solutions to compete in international markets. With projections indicating that cross-border SME payments will grow by 18% annually through 2030, the Deutsche Bank-Ant International alliance is positioned to capture a significant share of this expanding market.
The first phase of the solution is set to roll out in Q3 2025, starting with pilot programs in Germany, the Netherlands, and Singapore, with plans to expand to 15 additional markets by 2026. Interested SMEs can register for early access through Deutsche Bank’s business banking portal or Ant International’s commercial solutions platform.
