New Real-Time Payment Option for SMEs
Ant International, in partnership with Citi, has launched its PayTo payment solution in Australia, designed to offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a faster and more secure method for account-to-account transactions.
The integration of PayTo into Ant International‘s Global Account Service allows Australian export SMEs to benefit from real-time payment capabilities, reducing cash flow challenges that many businesses face due to slow cross-border transactions.
Citi, as the initiator sponsor bank, underpins the security and speed of the new service. This setup enables SMEs to authorise payments directly with their bank, reducing fraud risks and transaction costs.
In 2025, Australia exported US$343.8 billion in goods worldwide, with nearly 80% of SMEs significantly impacted by cash flow issues. Slow cross-border payments exacerbate these challenges, making real-time solutions crucial for their growth.
Benefits of the PayTo System
The PayTo service offers real-time digital top-ups and fund transfers that are available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. It provides a seamless reconciliation process by reducing card fees and minimizing chargebacks.
Jim Vrondas, General Manager of ANZ WorldFirst, Ant International, emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs through innovative payment solutions: “As Australia’s financial infrastructure continues to evolve, we are proud to play a role in supporting innovative solutions for SMEs.”
Kirstin Renner, Co-Head of Services for Citi Australia, highlighted the collaboration’s impact: “By combining our robust PayTo infrastructure with their innovative platform, we are directly solving for better cash flow and security.”
WorldFirst clients can now utilise PayTo for a variety of transactions beyond digital wallet top-ups, including SaaS billing, e-commerce settlements, and B2B invoice payments, offering SMEs greater flexibility in managing their finances.
Ant International’s Global Account Service, primarily powered by WorldFirst, has integrated PayTo with Citi to streamline payments. This integration offers real-time account-to-account pull payments, an alternative to traditional direct debits.
Beyond payment capabilities, Ant International is advancing diversified solutions. The World Card, launched in late 2024, has seen a substantial growth of 440% in Q1 2026. It eliminates costly FX conversion fees and offers cashback on eligible expenses.
Following these innovations, Ant International and Citi are exploring further opportunities to enhance the comprehensive payments ecosystem for Australian SMEs.
