AI to Empower SMEs: Ant Group's Virtual CFO & COO Vision

The Dawn of AI-Driven SME Empowerment: Ant Group's Vision

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the landscape for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is undergoing a significant transformation. Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing recently articulated a compelling vision at the Singapore Fintech Festival, predicting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will increasingly assume the roles of virtual Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Operating Officers (COOs) for SMEs. This foresight underscores a fundamental shift towards agentic finance and the widespread adoption of practical AI tools, designed to democratise sophisticated financial and operational capabilities previously inaccessible to smaller businesses.

The challenges confronting SMEs are multifaceted, ranging from managing intricate payment flows and conducting robust risk checks to navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions. Many lack the specialised skills, extensive manpower, or advanced digital infrastructure typically found in larger corporations. Jing highlighted this critical gap, noting that "Many SMEs may not have sophisticated digital skills or a large workforce to support them in doing business, and this is where AI agents can really play a role in helping them to navigate the landscape." This sentiment forms the core of Ant Group's strategy: to empower SMEs by providing AI-driven solutions that act as indispensable virtual partners, fostering global competitiveness.

Revolutionizing Operations with Agentic AI and Practical Tools

Ant Group's commitment to this vision is tangible through its development and deployment of innovative AI and tokenisation tools. The company aims to place these advanced capabilities directly into the hands of SMEs, enabling them to streamline operations and access financial services more efficiently. Jing elaborated, "Agentic AI will act like your COO, your CFO. They are stepping in as virtual financial and operational planners and implementers for SMEs, enabling them to compete globally." This paradigm shift positions AI not merely as an assistive technology but as an integral, decision-making component of a business's operational and financial strategy.

A prime example of this innovation is Antom Copilot, a flagship offering from Ant International’s merchant services unit, Antom. This tool is engineered to automate critical functions such as payment integration, merchant onboarding, risk settings management, and chargeback resolution. The impact of Antom Copilot has been significant, demonstrating over a 90 percent reduction in integration time, a three percentage point improvement in chargeback winning rates, and a 46 percent faster resolution time for disputes. Such efficiencies are crucial for SMEs, allowing them to focus on core business growth rather than being bogged down by administrative complexities.

Further extending its support for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), Antom also launched EPOS360. This comprehensive application integrates point-of-sale (POS) functionalities with payment processing, banking services, lending options, and broader growth support. EPOS360 exemplifies a holistic approach to SME enablement, providing a unified platform for various financial and operational needs, thereby simplifying management and fostering business expansion.

Pioneering Tokenization and AI Development through Strategic Partnerships

The advancements discussed reflect a broader industry trend towards agentic payments and multi-agent systems, where AI-driven entities assume greater responsibility for the entire transaction workflow. Beyond direct product offerings, Ant Group is actively involved in collaborative initiatives that shape the future of global finance. Jing highlighted Ant International’s crucial work with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on tokenised settlement and advanced AI development.

As a key participant in MAS’ Project Guardian, Ant Group is exploring how tokenised money and blockchain-based settlement mechanisms can facilitate real-time, transparent, and efficient cross-border payments. This initiative holds immense promise for SMEs engaged in international trade. "The tokenisation of money that enables global real-time settlement across borders will be particularly beneficial to SMEs and companies doing global trade," Jing remarked. He further emphasised the indispensable role of regulatory bodies like MAS, whose "policy leadership... provides institutional clarity and brings together an industry ecosystem of collaboration" for such transformative projects.

In another significant collaboration, Ant International contributes its Falcon Time-Series Transformer Model to MAS’ PathFin.ai programme. This sophisticated 8.5-billion-parameter AI model is designed for advanced foreign exchange (FX) and liquidity forecasting. Jing noted that this model has demonstrably improved cash flow predictions for businesses, leading to reduced hedging costs—a vital advantage for SMEs operating in volatile global markets.

The Indispensable Role of Regulatory Sandboxes

The successful development and deployment of these cutting-edge fintech solutions are often contingent upon supportive regulatory environments. Jing underscored the value of regulatory sandboxes, which allow for the refinement of products in a controlled setting before their widespread rollout. "They provide the clarity and certainty needed to responsibly deploy cutting-edge technologies while managing risks," he explained. Such frameworks are critical for fostering innovation while simultaneously ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.

Ant International's Expanding Global Footprint

Now headquartered in Singapore and operating independently since 2024, Ant International has established itself as a formidable force in the global fintech arena. The company collaborates with over 1,400 institutional partners and extends its payment and digitisation services to 150 million merchants and wallets, alongside national QR schemes serving more than 1.8 billion consumer accounts. This vast network underscores its significant impact on global financial inclusion and digital transformation, particularly for the underserved SME segment. As AI continues to evolve, Ant Group's strategic focus on empowering SMEs through virtual CFO and COO functionalities positions it at the forefront of a new era of intelligent, accessible, and efficient financial services.