How UBS and Ant Intl are Deploying Blockchain-Based Payments

UBS has formalised a strategic partnership with Ant International to explore blockchain-based tokenised deposits for cross-border payments and liquidity management.

The Swiss bank and the Singapore-based digital payments provider signed a Memorandum of Understanding at UBS' flagship office in Singapore, under which Ant International will integrate with UBS Digital Cash: a blockchain payment platform the bank piloted in 2024.

The platform will support Ant International's global treasury operations with blockchain-based payments designed to improve efficiency, transparency and security.

UBS says it will simultaneously apply this expertise to enhance cross-border payment solutions for its broader client base.

The collaboration centres on real-time, multi-currency fund flows enabled through Ant's proprietary Whale platform, an internal next-generation treasury management solution.

The connected infrastructure operates without traditional payment cut-off times, addressing a longstanding friction point in global liquidity management.

Young Jin Yee, Co-Head UBS Global Wealth Management Asia Pacific and Country Head UBS Singapore, says: “This collaboration with Ant International builds on the momentum of our UBS Digital Cash pilot launch last year.

“By combining our expertise in digital assets with Ant's advanced blockchain technology, we are working together to deliver a real-time, multi-currency payment solution that sets standards for transparency and efficiency.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to empowering our clients with best-in-class platforms and providing them with greater access to global financial markets.”

Ant International advances blockchain treasury capabilities

In a recent announcement at the Singapore Fintech Festival, Ant Group chairman Eric Jing outlined the importance of regulatory frameworks for deploying AI and blockchain technologies. 

Ant International has participated in the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Project Guardian, testing blockchain-based payments for real-time, transparent settlement for SMEs in international trade.

Through this regulatory sandbox, the company has explored how tokenisation of money enables instant cross-border settlement for globally operating businesses.

The fintech ranked fourth in FinTech Magazine's Top 100 FinTech Companies list earlier this year. 

Kelvin Li, Global Manager of Platform Tech at Ant International, adds: “We are pleased to partner with UBS, a leading global bank with a proven track record in blockchain innovation. 

“We share a common belief in the potential of these technologies to transform cross-border payments and look forward to driving greater impact together through UBS's global expertise and support.”

Blockchain gains traction in institutional payments

The partnership reflects broader momentum in blockchain-based cross-border payments infrastructure.

Stablecoins and tokenised deposits offer 24/7 settlement capabilities, removing time-zone constraints that limit traditional correspondent banking.

The technology treats international payments as digital ledger updates rather than physical money movements, enabling near-instantaneous settlement whilst underlying funds remain in bank accounts.

The Financial Stability Board set targets capping the global average cost of retail payments at 1% by 2027 and remittances at 3% by 2030. 

Strategic alignment on digitalisation

The UBS-Ant International partnership aligns with both organisations' focus on innovation and digitalisation.

For UBS, the collaboration extends its Digital Cash pilot whilst reinforcing its position in digital assets and blockchain applications.

For Ant International, the agreement provides access to UBS's global network and institutional expertise in treasury management.

The partnership represents a practical implementation of blockchain technology within existing financial infrastructure rather than a parallel system.

Both parties have committed to joint exploration of tokenised deposit innovations that could reshape institutional treasury operations.