Airwallex enters New Zealand with innovative payment solutions

Airwallex has announced the launch of its operations in New Zealand, aiming to enhance cross-border payment solutions for Kiwi businesses.

Lowry Gladwell has been appointed as Associate Director of New Zealand, marking the company's first local hire. Airwallex has set a target to expand its local team to 10 employees by the conclusion of 2025, underscoring its commitment to fostering business growth in the region.

Gladwell expressed the company's dedication to transforming the financial service landscape for New Zealand businesses: "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."

Several new product offerings tailored to the New Zealand market are being introduced as part of this expansion. Airwallex is enhancing its corporate cards service by adding a physical card option, which aims to aid businesses in handling expenses more effectively while reducing transaction fees. The comprehensive suite of services will include online payments in addition to existing offerings such as foreign exchange, global accounts, and company cards.

Matt Sek, VP SME & Growth, ANZ, highlighted the benefits of these offerings: "Managing business spending shouldn't be a hassle. 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."

The New Zealand market, characterised by a concentrated banking industry, often presents challenges such as high fees and slow international transactions. Airwallex aims to provide more affordable costs, competitive exchange rates, and faster payment solutions, particularly benefiting sectors such as software as a service (SaaS) and exports.

Given New Zealand's economic recovery efforts and goals to increase export growth significantly, Airwallex's introduction is timely, presenting solutions to enhance financial agility essential for business scaling.

Startups in New Zealand are also a focus for Airwallex, with robust participation in its "Airwallex for Startups" programme. By offering streamlined payment processes and competitive foreign exchange rates, Airwallex positions itself as a key partner for growing startups in the country.

Gladwell remarked on the startup landscape: "We see huge potential in New Zealand's startup space. We want to support the next wave of 'soonicorns' by providing them with the financial infrastructure needed to scale globally."

Highlighting its industry expertise, Airwallex has established collaborations with notable New Zealand brands such as Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit, and Auror. Gladwell commented, "We understand that the key industries of growth in New Zealand include Tourism, eCommerce, and Tech. Airwallex is already working with some of the country's most innovative and well-established brands, including Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit and Auror. Our deep knowledge of these industries allows us to tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of Kiwi businesses, helping them navigate global expansion with ease."

Airwallex's efforts in New Zealand are indicative of a broader, long-term commitment to the local market. As it grows its team and expands services, the company remains focused on providing New Zealand businesses with competitive financial solutions.

"Our goal is simple," Gladwell concluded. "We're here to provide New Zealand businesses with better experiences, lower fees, and faster payments in a market that's crying out for competition. We're excited for what's ahead."