Airwallex to Invest €200 Million in Netherlands Expansion

Airwallex, an Australian payment firm, has announced plans to invest approximately €200 million (around $233.64 million) in its operations in the Netherlands over the next five years. This move signifies a pivotal expansion into Europe as the company transitions focus from its traditional base in the Asia-Pacific region.

The fintech, founded in 2015 in Melbourne, aims to increase its workforce in Amsterdam by 60 percent, bringing the total number of full-time employees to around 70 by the end of 2026. The investment will enhance Airwallex’s capabilities in providing international payment solutions for businesses, including the ability to send and receive payments across borders, manage multi-currency accounts, and process online transactions efficiently.

Airwallex has a notable history of securing funding, with a significant $13 million Series A round led by the Chinese internet giant Tencent in 2017. The company recently completed a Series G funding round, raising $330 million and achieving a valuation exceeding $6 billion. As of October 2025, Airwallex reported surpassing $1 billion in annual recurring revenue, highlighting its rapid growth.

Strategic Focus on European and American Markets

Following a decade of concentrating on the Australian and Asia-Pacific markets, Airwallex is now prioritising growth in Europe and the Americas. The company obtained a licence in the Netherlands in May 2021, which allows it to operate within the European Economic Area. With a customer base exceeding 150,000, Airwallex’s clientele includes notable companies such as Shein, Bolt, TikTok, and Canva.

As Airwallex expands its footprint in Europe, it faces competition from established payment processors like Adyen and Mollie, as well as the Dutch digital bank Bunq. This investment not only reinforces Airwallex’s commitment to enhancing its European operations but also positions the company to compete effectively in a growing and dynamic market.

With the support of significant financial backing from Tencent and a clear strategic direction, Airwallex is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of international payments in Europe while continuing to innovate and expand its services globally.