How NTT DATA and AXS Advance Cross-Border Payments in Asia

NTT DATA and AXS are working together to advance cross-border payments infrastructure in Asia.

The pair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore interoperable bill payment capabilities between their respective networks.

The partnership reflects a growing industry push to simplify cross-border financial interactions for consumers managing obligations across multiple jurisdictions. 

The collaboration will initially focus on Singapore and Malaysia – two highly connected markets with strong demand for seamless payment experiences.

Building interoperable payment ecosystems

The agreement is built on a shared ambition to enable interoperability between domestic bill payment platforms. 

By linking AXS’s extensive Singapore-based ecosystem with NTT DATA’s regional payment infrastructure, the companies aim to allow users to pay overseas bills through familiar, local channels.

Under the proposed model, e-pay (M) Sdn Bhd (e-pay) – operating under NTT DATA Payment Services in Malaysia – will act as the access point for Malaysian billers. 

In Singapore, AXS will provide connectivity through its established network, spanning digital platforms and a nationwide footprint of self-service kiosks.

AXS will also serve as the orchestration layer, enabling a single secure connection through which participating ecosystems can access a broader network of bill payment services. 

This model is designed to scale, allowing future partners to integrate into the platform as the network expands.

Addressing the growing need for cross-border payments

The initiative targets a clear and well-discussed market gap. 

With increasing numbers of individuals living and working abroad, they are also maintaining financial commitments in their home countries like utility bills to insurance payments.

By reducing friction in cross-border bill settlement, NTT DATA and AXS are positioning their collaboration as both a consumer convenience play and an infrastructure upgrade for regional payments.

Jeffrey Goh, Group CEO of AXS, says: “Following our earlier initiatives in cross‑border bill payments, this collaboration with NTT DATA marks another step in extending AXS’ payment connectivity beyond Singapore. 

“By enabling interoperability with trusted regional partners, we aim to make bill payments more accessible and convenient for users who manage obligations across borders, starting with Malaysia.”

Leveraging ADAPTIS and regional scale

NTT DATA will deliver its side of the partnership through ADAPTIS – its unified payment services platform – which already supports payment infrastructure across multiple Asian markets including Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and India.

The company already serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and operates in more than 70 countries – scale which positions it to extend the collaboration beyond its initial markets. 

The MoU outlines intentions to expand into additional Asian territories, subject to regulatory approvals.

Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payment for Japan at NTT DATA, says: “By combining our strengths, we are creating new value that enhances convenience and improves everyday experiences. 

“The collaboration, delivered through ADAPTIS as a commerce partner, is designed to reflect local market practices while supporting our mission to accelerate client success and positively impact society through responsible innovation. 

“This partnership represents a long‑term commitment between NTT DATA and AXS, with a shared ambition to deepen collaboration over time and explore future opportunities as client and market needs evolve.”

A platform for future payment innovation

While the immediate focus of the MoU is bill payments, both companies have their sights set on broader ambitions. 

The MoU includes provisions to explore additional payment-related services, suggesting potential expansion into adjacent areas such as collections, merchant services, and integrated payment solutions.

For AXS, which already serves more than one million users and supports thousands of businesses, the partnership strengthens its role as a connectivity hub within Southeast Asia’s evolving payments landscape. 

For NTT DATA, it reinforces its strategy of combining infrastructure, AI, and regional partnerships to build scalable digital ecosystems.

And, as interoperability becomes a defining theme in next-generation payments, the AXS-NTT DATA collaboration highlights how established players are re-architecting networks to support cross-border financial flows with greater efficiency and accessibility.