Instarem, a global digital payments platform, and Choco Up, a growth-financing provider, have introduced a new embedded financing solution for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore and Australia. Launched on 1 September 2025, this service allows eligible Instarem Business clients to apply for up to US$1m in growth capital directly through the Instarem Business portal, with funds disbursed in as little as two business days.
This initiative comes as Southeast Asia’s cross-border e-commerce market is projected to grow significantly, reaching US$14.6b by 2028. The integration aims to reduce cross-border frictions for SMEs, enabling faster settlements and simpler foreign exchange processes. The financing is collateral-free and requires only a personal guarantee from one director, streamlining the application process with basic Know Your Business (KYB) documentation and recent transaction history.
Choco Up has already supported over 1,000 SMEs across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia, facilitating approximately US$2.5b in Gross Merchandise Value. Instarem processes over US$6b annually, offering payment speeds up to 12 times faster than traditional banks.
Percy Hung, CEO of Choco Up, stated, “Fast, flexible, non-dilutive financing lets owners stay in control of how and when they scale.” Michael Minassian, Global Head of SME Business at Instarem, added, “It is about reducing friction and helping regional champions scale internationally with confidence.”
Looking forward, Instarem and Choco Up plan to deepen their API integration to enhance data sharing and decision-making, with expansion to Hong Kong expected in early 2026. SMEs can apply for financing directly through the Instarem Business portal.
