Airwallex, a global financial and payments platform, has received approval from Bank Negara Malaysia for its e-money issuing and Class A licences. The new approvals allow the company to provide a complete suite of payment services in Malaysia and expand its role in supporting cross-border business activity.
According to Airwallex, these licences enable it to bring its full financial infrastructure to Malaysian businesses. The platform aims to help companies expand internationally and operate more efficiently across borders, positioning Malaysia as a hub for regional and global growth.
Expanded regulatory status in Malaysia
Holding both e-money issuance approval and a Class A licence strengthens Airwallex's standing as a fully regulated financial platform for businesses in Malaysia. The company states that this regulatory position supports the delivery of comprehensive financial infrastructure beyond payments, including multi-currency accounts, foreign exchange services and support for complex business use cases within a single unified platform.
The new approvals build on Airwallex's existing Class B Money Services Business licence and its Registered Merchant Acquirer status. Together, these regulatory milestones reflect increased trust and support from Malaysia's central bank and mark a shift from selective product access to a full-stack offering for Malaysian companies.
Local expansion and transaction growth
Airwallex has also expanded its local presence in Malaysia. The company reports that it grew its Malaysia team by 66% in 2025 and recently moved into a new office space with capacity for more than 160 employees. Looking ahead, Airwallex Malaysia plans to double its headcount throughout 2026.
This operational expansion is supported by rising transaction volumes. Airwallex processed over RM2 billion in remittance transaction volume in 2025 in Malaysia, driven by increasing demand from local businesses operating across borders. The company views this growth as evidence of strong business momentum in the market.
Commenting on the approvals, Arnold Chan, General Manager, Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Airwallex, described Malaysia as a strategic market for the company. He said the new licences enable Airwallex to support local businesses in scaling internationally while contributing to Malaysia's development as a centre for regional and global economic activity.
