Airwallex, a Leading Global Payments and Financial Platform for Growing Businesses, Joins the Ranks of Waymo, Nvidia, Duolingo, and More

Airwallex has been named number 3 in the Finance and Personal Finance category of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 by Fast Company. This list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy.

“Innovation is at the core of Airwallex’s DNA. When building Airwallex, we didn’t enhance an existing system but orchestrated a complete rethinking of how global businesses move and manage money,” said Jack Zhang, CEO and Co-founder of Airwallex. “This recognition reaffirms what we’ve always believed: real innovation means solving the biggest challenges in global business, not just making incremental changes.” 

Airwallex was built with a single purpose in mind: to create a world where all businesses can operate without borders and restrictions, and by doing so, propel the growth of the global digital economy. In just a few clicks, Airwallex customers can open a Global Account, which serves as a multi-currency wallet with local bank details – allowing customers to almost instantly set up and start collecting payments from customers worldwide, in whatever currencies they choose. 

Customers can make payments to more than 150 countries, with clear information on the conversion rates and markups applied compared to interbank rates, and certainty on when the money will land in the recipient’s account. Over 90% of Airwallex’s transactions go through local rails, and approximately 90% of transactions arrive within a few hours/same day. Global enterprises can also tap into Airwallex APIs and infrastructure to embed payments and financial products into their own platforms – at global scale. 

 “Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.” 

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.