Airwallex has appointed former New Zealand Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sir Bill English as Chair of its New Zealand board.

Sir Bill joins as an independent director, bringing extensive experience in public finance, economic policy and international trade.

His appointment comes as global payments and financial services grow in importance for New Zealand’s export-led economy, and as more businesses adopt digital platforms to operate internationally.

Airwallex provides financial infrastructure to a range of high-growth New Zealand companies, including Halter, Partly and Tracksuit. It also supports international businesses operating in New Zealand, such as Afterpay and Bolt.

Since entering New Zealand in 2023, nearly 20% of the country’s digital and tech sector relies on the platform.

Airwallex has enabled over 1,000 Kiwi startups and modern businesses to operate internationally. The platform now facilitates approximately NZ$2.4 billion in annual payment flows, representing 240% year-on-year growth.

It allows businesses to open local bank accounts in over 20 countries. Companies can also manage foreign currencies, pay suppliers and employees abroad, and collect revenue in 70 markets worldwide.

Airwallex is also embedding AI into payments, treasury and spend management, enabling businesses to automate routine operations, optimise cash flow decisions and gain real-time insights into their global performance.

Sir Bill said he was drawn to Airwallex’s role in supporting New Zealand’s high-growth exporting and technology firms.

“I’m looking forward to supporting a business that is helping New Zealand companies participate more effectively in the global economy, and contributing to the long-term direction of Airwallex in New Zealand as it continues to grow,”

he said.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Australia, based on image by mrsiraphol via Freepik