Olea raises $30m to expand AI-driven trade finance globally

By Vriti Gothi

Singapore-based trade finance platform Olea has secured $30 million in Series A funding as it looks to expand its technology capabilities and deepen its presence across key global trade corridors.

The round was led by BBVA, with participation from XDC Network, theDOCK, and existing investor SC Ventures, the venture-building arm of Standard Chartered Bank. The funding follows a separate financing facility announced in November 2024, arranged by HSBC and Manulife | CQS Investment Management.

Founded in 2022, Olea operates a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-licensed platform focused on simplifying access to trade finance for suppliers and buyers. The company says it has facilitated more than $3 billion in financing to date, working with over 30 institutional funders and serving more than 1,000 clients across 70 trade corridors.

The fresh capital will be used to invest in AI-driven analytics, Web3 readiness, and product development, including embedded finance solutions tailored to evolving trade and supply chain needs. Olea also plans to scale origination activities in high-growth markets, leveraging partnerships with banks, investors, and technology providers.

Trade finance remains a structurally under-digitised segment of global financial services, with persistent gaps in access to working capital, particularly for small and mid-sized exporters. Platforms such as Olea are increasingly positioning themselves as intermediaries that combine data, risk analytics, and regulated infrastructure to connect institutional capital with real-economy trade flows more efficiently.

BBVA’s involvement as lead investor is expected to support Olea’s expansion across Europe, the US, Latin America, and Asia. The bank and Olea plan to collaborate on digital supply chain solutions and enhanced risk analytics. SC Ventures, which incubated Olea, said it is exploring further collaboration around artificial intelligence and digital assets.

Amelia Ng, CEO of Olea, said, “This funding marks an important milestone in Olea’s journey. The confidence shown by our new and existing investors is a powerful validation of the business we’ve built, institutional-grade, scalable and ready for the next phase of growth. We are committed to building an efficient and accessible trade ecosystem that connects capital, commerce, and technology.”