Ant International Launches AI Merchant app for MSMEs

Ant International has released EPOS360, a merchant platform that integrates point-of-sale systems, payment processing, banking services and lending facilities through a single application. 

The platform, developed by Antom, will be available on iOS and Android in early 2026.

The application targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across Singapore and Malaysia. EPOS360 will launch as a standalone app in Singapore and as a mini app within Touch 'n Go's platform in Malaysia. 

The service will support five languages at launch: English, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Thai and Japanese.

Antom recorded acquiring TPV growth of over 70% year-on-year for non-Alipay users in the first ten months of 2025. The company operates EPOS, which serves more than 6,000 merchants in Singapore.

Integrated financial services

EPOS360 provides access to banking services through ANEXT Bank, one of Singapore's digital banks. Merchants can open business accounts without minimum balance requirements or transaction fees. The platform offers daily interest on eligible balances and supports multiple currency holdings.

ANEXT Bank provides financing options through the platform. Eligible merchants receive instant approval for loans up to 5,000 Singapore dollars at sign-up. 

The bank extends higher credit limits and revenue-based financing as businesses expand. Merchants access these services without providing collateral.

The platform processes card payments and alternative payment methods for online and physical transactions. Same-day settlement is available for certain payment methods. 

The system scales to accommodate business growth, including activation of Alipay+ cross-border partner wallets for international customers.

EPOS360 includes hardware integration through EPOS360 Bluetap, a counter terminal that processes QR code and card payments. The QR code tap-to-pay feature uses Ant International's proprietary technology.

AI operational tools

The platform incorporates Antom Copilot, an AI system that assists with store creation, marketing campaigns and cash flow monitoring. 

The tool analyses competitive positioning and marketing performance. It suggests inventory adjustments and provides explanations for weekly performance changes.

The AI system identifies factors including holidays, weather patterns, competitor activity and product bundling opportunities. It generates promotional content and distributes it across digital channels. 

The platform enables merchants to establish online stores through Google Maps, partner e-wallets and other channels.

Merchants use the application to manage inventory, coordinate seasonal promotions and handle daily operations. The system provides analytics on business performance and market conditions.

In Singapore, approximately 99% of enterprises qualify as SMEs. Across ASEAN member states, MSMEs represent between 97.2% and 99.9% of total establishments and contribute 44.8% to regional GDP.

Market expansion

EPOS360 initially focuses on retail and food and beverage sectors in Singapore. The platform will expand to additional markets following the Malaysia launch. 

Ant International has announced the Emerging Champions Awards in Singapore to recognise MSME performance in innovation, digitisation, customer experience and workplace practices.

Award recipients include Ai Muay Management, which received the Grand Prize in Digital Transformation for its digital strategy across six wet markets. 

Big Spring Day Seafood Trading received The Most Innovative SME award for its blast-freezing technology and business model. Winners receive up to 10,000 Singapore dollars in Family Credits for EPOS services.

Gary Liu, General Manager of Antom at Ant International, says the company aims to make technologies and services accessible to businesses of all sizes. 

“We aim to make advanced technologies and high-quality services accessible to businesses of all sizes,” Gary says. 

“Tailored-made merchant services have long felt beyond the reach of MSMEs, and EPOS360 lowers that barrier. 

“While continuing to support cross-border merchants, we are deepening our focus on empowering local MSMEs with the same level of innovation and capability to drive sustainable growth.”

Ian Cheong, CEO of EPOS, says the platform removes complexity from merchant operations. 

“To support MSMEs realise their full potential, we are packaging a wide range of merchant services into one AI-powered app that removes complexity and transforms everyday operations into new opportunities for growth,” Ian says.