Airwallex names Sir Bill English chair of New Zealand board

Airwallex has appointed Sir Bill English as Chair of its New Zealand board, adding a former Prime Minister and Finance Minister to the fintech's local governance.

He joins as an independent director as Airwallex expands in New Zealand. The company says it now supports more than 1,000 businesses in the market and facilitates about NZ$2.4 billion in annual payment flows. Airwallex entered New Zealand in 2023, and says those flows are up 240% year on year.

The appointment comes as cross-border payments and financial services become more important for New Zealand companies selling overseas and operating across multiple markets. Airwallex also pointed to growing use of digital financial tools among local firms managing international transactions, supplier payments and foreign currency balances.

Nearly 20% of New Zealand's digital and technology sector now uses the platform, according to Airwallex. Customers in the country include Halter, Partly and Tracksuit, as well as international companies operating in New Zealand such as Afterpay and Bolt.

Local growth

In New Zealand, Airwallex is focused on helping businesses manage financial operations across borders through local accounts, foreign exchange, collections and payments. Customers can open local bank accounts in more than 20 countries, hold and manage foreign currencies, pay staff and suppliers overseas, and collect revenue in 70 local markets, it says.

Airwallex also outlined a broader strategy for using artificial intelligence in finance workflows. It says it is embedding AI into payments, treasury and spend management processes to automate routine tasks, improve cash flow decisions and provide real-time information on business performance.

That focus reflects a broader shift in financial services, with providers combining payment infrastructure with software tools designed to reduce manual administration. For New Zealand businesses with small teams and international ambitions, the appeal is often less friction in moving money and managing operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Globally, Airwallex says it serves more than 200,000 companies and operates financial infrastructure across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Founded in Melbourne, it holds more than 80 licences across major markets and employs more than 2,000 staff in 26 offices.

Board role

James Teodorini, Airwallex's Head of ANZ, said the appointment reflects the company's investment in the New Zealand market.

"Sir Bill brings an exceptional understanding of New Zealand's economy and public institutions, alongside deep experience in leadership, risk and long-term decision-making," Teodorini said.

He said strong local governance is becoming more important as Airwallex's services become more embedded in day-to-day business operations.

"As Airwallex becomes increasingly embedded in the day-to-day financial operations of New Zealand businesses, it's important that we continue investing in infrastructure that gives New Zealand businesses modern tools to pay, get paid and manage spend. Sir Bill's experience will help us scale effectively as demand grows, stay close to what New Zealand businesses need, and continue investing in products and partnerships that make it easier to operate across borders," he said.

English said Airwallex's role among exporting, technology and high-growth firms influenced his decision to join the board.

"Airwallex is supporting a growing share of New Zealand's high-growth, exporting and technology firms at a time when access to efficient global financial services really matters," he said.

He added that he was looking forward to supporting a business helping New Zealand companies participate more effectively in the global economy and contributing to Airwallex's long-term direction in New Zealand as it grows.