Airwallex ranks third in personal finance in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2025.
Here’s why the fintech disruptor is making waves in global finance.
Airwallex’s Ascent: Fintech’s Heavyweight Earns Its Stripes
When Fast Company drops its annual World’s Most Innovative Companies
list, it’s a big deal. The title is one of the world’s engaging contemporary tech and business sites.
And this year, fintech powerhouse Airwallex has bagged the #3 spot in the
Finance & Personal Finance category, behind RobinHood and Nubank—a ranking that cements its status as a
global game-changer.
“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 in
a statement. “This recognition reaffirms what we’ve always believed: real
innovation means solving the biggest challenges in global business, not just
making incremental changes.”
“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.”
But what exactly makes Airwallex special, according to Fast Company?
Why is it considered one of the most innovative companies in finance? And why
should we care that Fast Company is the one handing out the kudos? Let’s break
it down.
Airwallex: The Cross-Border Payments Disruptor
If you’ve ever tried to send money internationally, you know the drill:
high fees, sluggish transactions, and enough red tape to make you reconsider
doing business overseas. Enter Airwallex, the fintech company tackling these
problems head-on.
Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, Airwallex provides businesses
with seamless, borderless financial solutions—from multi-currency accounts to
foreign exchange and global payouts. Whether it’s a startup looking to expand
internationally or an enterprise juggling multiple currencies, Airwallex makes
global transactions feel as smooth as sending a Venmo request after a Dutch
dinner.
So why the big Fast Company nod? Airwallex’s innovation stems from its
ability to simplify cross-border finance in a way that legacy banks never
could. With its API-powered platform, businesses can manage international
payments with greater efficiency, lower costs, and minimal friction. In a world
where e-commerce is booming and businesses are going global faster than ever,
that’s a serious advantage.
The Tech Behind the Hype: Why Airwallex Stands Out
Landing a top-three spot on Fast Company’s list isn’t just about being
a cool fintech startup—it’s about proving that you’re fundamentally changing
the industry. Airwallex has done exactly that by:
·
Making international
payments ridiculously easy – Airwallex’s platform allows businesses to hold and
convert money in over 60 currencies, cutting out the inefficiencies of
traditional banking.
·
Speeding up transactions –
While legacy systems take days, Airwallex delivers near-instantaneous
transfers.
·
Keeping fees transparent –
No hidden costs, no bank markups, just real-time FX rates.
·
Embracing partnerships –
Airwallex has inked deals with major players, including Visa and Xero, to
expand its reach.
These innovations aren’t just fancy fintech jargon—they translate into
real savings, efficiency, and scalability for businesses worldwide. And that’s
exactly the kind of game-changing impact that earns you a place on Fast
Company’s list.
Why Fast Company’s List Actually Matters
Not all awards and rankings are created equal. When a publication like Fast
Company hands out an innovation award, it carries weight. Why? Fast Company
doesn’t rank companies based on revenue or hype—it evaluates them on real
impact, ingenuity, and forward-thinking strategies.
Every year, Fast Company’s team of editors and reporters analyze
thousands of businesses across industries, looking for those that are
redefining their fields. Making the cut isn’t just about having a flashy
marketing campaign; it’s about proving that your business is actively reshaping
the market.
Past winners in the finance space have included fintech juggernauts
like Stripe and Square—companies that have fundamentally altered the way people
and businesses interact with money. By ranking Airwallex at #3, Fast Company is
signaling that it sees this company as a major force in the future of global
finance.
The Bottom Line: Airwallex’s Future Looks Bright
For Airwallex, this isn’t just another trophy to put on the shelf—it’s
a sign that the fintech disruptor is here to stay. As businesses continue to
globalize, the demand for efficient, cost-effective cross-border financial
solutions will only grow. And Airwallex, with its relentless focus on
innovation, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this shift.
By securing a top-three ranking on Fast Company’s Most Innovative
Companies list, Airwallex has proven that it’s not just riding the fintech
wave—it’s helping shape the future of finance.
The time of outdated, expensive international transactions might just
be coming to an end.
For more stories of fintech and innovation, visit our fintech section.
Airwallex ranks third in personal finance in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2025.
Here’s why the fintech disruptor is making waves in global finance.
Airwallex’s Ascent: Fintech’s Heavyweight Earns Its Stripes
When Fast Company drops its annual World’s Most Innovative Companies
list, it’s a big deal. The title is one of the world’s engaging contemporary tech and business sites.
And this year, fintech powerhouse Airwallex has bagged the #3 spot in the
Finance & Personal Finance category, behind RobinHood and Nubank—a ranking that cements its status as a
global game-changer.
“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 in
a statement. “This recognition reaffirms what we’ve always believed: real
innovation means solving the biggest challenges in global business, not just
making incremental changes.”
“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.”
But what exactly makes Airwallex special, according to Fast Company?
Why is it considered one of the most innovative companies in finance? And why
should we care that Fast Company is the one handing out the kudos? Let’s break
it down.
Airwallex: The Cross-Border Payments Disruptor
If you’ve ever tried to send money internationally, you know the drill:
high fees, sluggish transactions, and enough red tape to make you reconsider
doing business overseas. Enter Airwallex, the fintech company tackling these
problems head-on.
Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, Airwallex provides businesses
with seamless, borderless financial solutions—from multi-currency accounts to
foreign exchange and global payouts. Whether it’s a startup looking to expand
internationally or an enterprise juggling multiple currencies, Airwallex makes
global transactions feel as smooth as sending a Venmo request after a Dutch
dinner.
So why the big Fast Company nod? Airwallex’s innovation stems from its
ability to simplify cross-border finance in a way that legacy banks never
could. With its API-powered platform, businesses can manage international
payments with greater efficiency, lower costs, and minimal friction. In a world
where e-commerce is booming and businesses are going global faster than ever,
that’s a serious advantage.
The Tech Behind the Hype: Why Airwallex Stands Out
Landing a top-three spot on Fast Company’s list isn’t just about being
a cool fintech startup—it’s about proving that you’re fundamentally changing
the industry. Airwallex has done exactly that by:
·
Making international
payments ridiculously easy – Airwallex’s platform allows businesses to hold and
convert money in over 60 currencies, cutting out the inefficiencies of
traditional banking.
·
Speeding up transactions –
While legacy systems take days, Airwallex delivers near-instantaneous
transfers.
·
Keeping fees transparent –
No hidden costs, no bank markups, just real-time FX rates.
·
Embracing partnerships –
Airwallex has inked deals with major players, including Visa and Xero, to
expand its reach.
These innovations aren’t just fancy fintech jargon—they translate into
real savings, efficiency, and scalability for businesses worldwide. And that’s
exactly the kind of game-changing impact that earns you a place on Fast
Company’s list.
Why Fast Company’s List Actually Matters
Not all awards and rankings are created equal. When a publication like Fast
Company hands out an innovation award, it carries weight. Why? Fast Company
doesn’t rank companies based on revenue or hype—it evaluates them on real
impact, ingenuity, and forward-thinking strategies.
Every year, Fast Company’s team of editors and reporters analyze
thousands of businesses across industries, looking for those that are
redefining their fields. Making the cut isn’t just about having a flashy
marketing campaign; it’s about proving that your business is actively reshaping
the market.
Past winners in the finance space have included fintech juggernauts
like Stripe and Square—companies that have fundamentally altered the way people
and businesses interact with money. By ranking Airwallex at #3, Fast Company is
signaling that it sees this company as a major force in the future of global
finance.
The Bottom Line: Airwallex’s Future Looks Bright
For Airwallex, this isn’t just another trophy to put on the shelf—it’s
a sign that the fintech disruptor is here to stay. As businesses continue to
globalize, the demand for efficient, cost-effective cross-border financial
solutions will only grow. And Airwallex, with its relentless focus on
innovation, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this shift.
By securing a top-three ranking on Fast Company’s Most Innovative
Companies list, Airwallex has proven that it’s not just riding the fintech
wave—it’s helping shape the future of finance.
The time of outdated, expensive international transactions might just
be coming to an end.
For more stories of fintech and innovation, visit our fintech section.
This post is originally published on FINANCEMAGNATES.
FX Market Memos: Last Week’s Drama (Mar 17–21) & This Week’s Dollar Dance (Mar 24–28)! 
