Airwallex, a global financial platform, has launched operations in New Zealand, aiming to provide local businesses with improved cross-border payment solutions.

The company has appointed Lowry Gladwell as Associate Director to lead its New Zealand expansion, marking its first local hire.

Airwallex plans to expand its team to ten employees by the end of 2025.

The company is introducing new products, including physical and virtual corporate cards and enhanced online payment capabilities, to support New Zealand businesses.

These offerings are designed to streamline financial operations and reduce costs associated with international transactions.

Airwallex is already working with established New Zealand brands such as Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit, and Auror.

The firm aims to address the challenges faced by New Zealand businesses, which often encounter high fees and slow international transactions due to the country’s concentrated banking sector.

The company’s entry into the market is intended to provide businesses with more competitive foreign exchange rates and faster payment processing, particularly beneficial for the growing SaaS and export sectors.

Airwallex is also focusing on supporting New Zealand’s startup ecosystem through its Airwallex for Startups programme, providing streamlined international payment and global account services.

It sees significant potential in New Zealand’s startup sector and aims to support the growth of emerging companies.

“With New Zealand businesses increasingly looking for agile, cost-effective financial solutions, Airwallex is here to challenge the status quo.

Our entry into this market represents more than just expansion — it’s about providing Kiwi businesses with the tools they need to grow globally without the friction and high costs of traditional banking.”

said Gladwell.

“Our new corporate card solution makes it easier for teams to handle expenses while ensuring greater transparency and efficiency, while payment acceptance allows businesses to accept payments from customers around the globe with fast, flexible settlements and a seamless checkout experience.

This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing smarter, more intuitive financial tools for New Zealand businesses.”

said Matt Sek, VP SME & Growth, ANZ.

Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik