Ant International has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting efforts to democratise artificial intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhance trust in digital finance. The report marks the first time sustainability metrics have been integrated into management performance evaluations, a move Chairman Eric Jing describes as making accountability “structural, not aspirational.”
Key initiatives include the introduction of new AI tools for SMEs and fintech partners across Asia, such as EPOS360 in Southeast Asia and FinAI-as-a-Service capabilities supporting partners like Malaysia’s TNG eWallet. The company has also expanded investments in anti-fraud, anti-money laundering (AML), and privacy-enhancing technologies, with the Alipay+ Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) programme receiving recognition from Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission.
Ant International’s global reach now connects 2 billion user accounts with 150 million merchants, supporting 1.6 million SMEs and enabling credit access for over 30 million underserved businesses and individuals. “Our success relies on our ability to innovate for small businesses and emerging markets,” said Peng Yang, CEO, emphasising the company’s commitment to inclusion.
The report also details Ant International’s focus on enhancing compliance and technology foundations of trust, with significant investments in AML and security technologies. The SHIELD 3-in-1 Transformer model, for instance, identifies high-risk transactions with over 95% precision.
Looking ahead, Ant International plans to accelerate investments in compliance capabilities to navigate evolving regulatory environments. “Sustainability is increasingly becoming our primary driver of responsible innovation,” said Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusive and impactful global progress.
