Riyadh, February 13, 2025 – Ant International, a global leader in digital payments, digitization, and financial technology, has officially launched its new office in Al-Olaya, Riyadh, following its successful certification as a Payment Technical Service Provider (PTSP) by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
The establishment of the new office will enable Ant International to collaborate more closely with local partners in the Saudi payment ecosystem, offering innovative payment solutions and inclusive financial services. The move is aimed at supporting local acquirers and merchants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to drive sustainable growth and digital transformation. Additionally, it positions Riyadh as a strategic hub for international businesses entering the Saudi market.
Antom to Enter the Saudi Market
As part of its expansion, Ant International is introducing Antom, its unified digital payment solution for merchants, to the Saudi market later this year. Antom aims to empower e-commerce acquirers and local merchants by providing advanced payment solutions that align with SAMA’s economic priorities for the Kingdom.
Leiming Chen, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International, emphasized the significance of the expansion: “The opening of our Riyadh office represents a major milestone for Ant International in the Middle East and demonstrates our strong commitment to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth. Through local fintech job creation, inclusion initiatives, and digital transformation, we aim to support businesses of all sizes across the Kingdom.”
Chen also acknowledged the progressive policies of SAMA and the Ministry of Investment (MISA), stating that the company’s expansion is a result of their ongoing support. “Saudi Arabia’s dynamic payment market and vibrant economy provide the ideal environment for innovation and sustainable growth,” he added.
Advanced Payment Capabilities & Future Plans
Antom has already established local acquiring capabilities in over 40 markets and supports transactions in more than 100 currencies. Merchants integrating with Antom will have access to a vast range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, online banking, and digital wallets.
Looking ahead, Antom plans to introduce advanced payment gateway solutions in Saudi Arabia, leveraging AI-driven payment orchestration, large language model (LLM)-powered merchant services, and cutting-edge security measures. These technologies are designed to enhance merchant operations, reduce costs, improve transaction security, and streamline foreign exchange risk management. Additionally, businesses will benefit from Antom’s digital marketing tools and privacy-computing solutions to refine customer targeting.
“Ant International’s entry into Saudi Arabia with Antom payment services aligns closely with SAMA’s priorities, ensuring consumer protection, promoting secure digital payments, and strengthening the fintech sector through local job creation and talent inclusion programs,” Chen noted.
About Ant International
Headquartered in Singapore, Ant International powers the future of global commerce with digital innovations that help businesses thrive. By working closely with partners, the company supports merchants of all sizes worldwide with tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions.
About Antom
Antom, a business pillar of Ant International, is a leading provider of payment and digitization services for merchants globally. With local acquiring capabilities in over 40 markets and support for more than 100 currencies, Antom offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions, digital marketing tools, and merchant digitization services. For more information, visit www.antom.com.
