Australian fintech Airwallex has announced plans to invest heavily in the Netherlands, marking a significant step in its European expansion. The Tencent-backed payments firm intends to commit around $234 million ($233.6 million) over the next five years to grow its operations in Amsterdam. This move signals a strategic shift from its traditional Asia-Pacific markets toward broader international growth.
Expansion Strategy in the Netherlands
Airwallex plans to increase its Amsterdam workforce by 60%, reaching approximately 70 full-time employees by the end of 2026. The Melbourne-founded company, established in 2015, provides a global payments platform that allows businesses to send and receive cross-border payments, hold multi-currency accounts, and process online transactions. Its European presence is underpinned by a license obtained in the Netherlands in May 2021, granting access to the European Economic Area.
Funding and Valuation Growth
The company first attracted major investor attention in 2017 with a $13 million Series A funding round led by Chinese internet giant Tencent. Since then, Airwallex has raised substantial capital, including a $300 million round in May 2025 that pushed its valuation above $6 billion, followed by a $330 million Series G round in December 2025, bringing the valuation to $8 billion. The company also reported surpassing $1 billion in annual recurring revenue in 2025, reflecting rapid growth and market traction.
IPO Considerations
Airwallex has publicly indicated its intention to pursue an initial public offering, targeting readiness by 2026. While the firm declined to comment on specific IPO plans, the investment in Europe appears aligned with its broader strategy to solidify international operations ahead of a potential market debut. Expansion into new geographies may enhance investor confidence and broaden its competitive positioning in global payments.
Focus on Europe and the Americas
After a decade of concentrated activity in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, Airwallex is prioritizing growth in Europe and the Americas. Its European expansion includes targeting new corporate clients while reinforcing services for existing customers. As of October 2025, Airwallex served over 150,000 customers, including major brands such as Shein, Bolt, TikTok, and Canva, demonstrating strong adoption of its platform globally.
Competitive Landscape
In Europe, Airwallex faces competition from established payment processors like Adyen, Mollie, and Dutch digital bank Bunq. The company’s strategy emphasizes differentiation through a comprehensive multi-currency platform and tailored services for international businesses. By increasing its local presence and workforce in Amsterdam, Airwallex aims to strengthen its competitive position against these incumbents.
Airwallex’s planned investment in the Netherlands represents a major milestone in its global expansion strategy. With substantial funding, a growing customer base, and a focus on Europe and the Americas, the company is positioning itself as a leading international fintech player. Its continued growth will likely shape the competitive landscape of cross-border payments and influence the broader financial technology sector in Europe.