AXS and NTT DATA expand cross-border bill payments

By Milan Rojan

AXS Pte Ltd and NTT DATA have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cross-border bill payment services across East and Southeast Asia, beginning with Singapore and Malaysia.

The partnership has aimed to enable consumers to pay recurring bills in another country through familiar domestic payment channels, helping simplify payment experiences for individuals with cross-border financial obligations.

Under the proposed framework, AXS has been positioned as the orchestration and connectivity platform linking participating payment operators. In Malaysia, e-pay (M) Sdn Bhd, operating under NTT DATA Payment Services, was identified as the gateway for consumer payment channels and biller connectivity. In Singapore, AXS has continued to provide access through its digital payment platforms and self-service kiosk network.

Jeffrey Goh, Group CEO of AXS, said, “Following our earlier initiatives in cross‑border bill payments, this collaboration with NTT DATA marks another step in extending AXS’ payment connectivity beyond Singapore. By enabling interoperability with trusted regional partners, we aim to make bill payments more accessible and convenient for users who manage obligations across borders, starting with Malaysia.”

The collaboration has also sought to improve interoperability between the companies’ payment ecosystems, creating a foundation for future regional payment connectivity. NTT DATA has said the initiative will be supported through ADAPTIS, its unified payment services brand, alongside its regional presence across Japan and Southeast Asia.

Both companies have indicated that the collaboration could be extended to additional markets over time, subject to regulatory requirements and further agreements. The MOU has also opened opportunities to explore broader payment-related services beyond bill payments.

Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payment, Japan, NTT DATA, said, “By combining our strengths, we are creating new value that enhances convenience and improves everyday experiences. This partnership represents a long-term commitment between NTT DATA and AXS, with a shared ambition to deepen collaboration over time and explore future opportunities as client and market needs evolve.”

The initiative has reflected growing demand for seamless cross-border payment solutions as mobility, migration and regional commerce continue to increase across Asia. By connecting established payment networks in Singapore and Malaysia, AXS and NTT DATA have sought to address challenges associated with managing financial commitments across multiple jurisdictions.

The agreement marks a step towards greater regional payment interoperability and highlights ongoing efforts by payment providers to support more convenient cross-border financial services.