Ant International’s Bettr launches SME financing solution in Brazil

By Gloria Methri

Bettr, an AI-powered lending business under Ant International, has officially launched in Brazil to expand lending for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By partnering with local companies, Bettr aims to support economic growth in the region.

As its first major step, Bettr has teamed up with AliExpress to introduce Bettr Working Capital, a new financing solution for local merchants on the platform. This service will make it easier for businesses to access working capital, helping them grow in Brazil’s rapidly expanding eCommerce market.

The rollout of Bettr Working Capital will happen in phases, with the first loans being issued on March 17. Brazil, Latin America’s largest digital economy, is seeing rapid eCommerce growth driven by millions of SMEs and micro-businesses. However, many of these businesses struggle to get financing due to limited collateral, a lack of standardised financial records, and other barriers.

Through this partnership, Bettr has integrated its AI-powered lending technology into the AliExpress platform to make financing more accessible and efficient for sellers. By analysing merchants’ sales records and other business data from AliExpress, Bettr Working Capital offers affordable, customised loan options. This allows sellers to access funds more easily, helping them manage cash flow, expand their businesses, and enter new product categories.

With AI-driven credit assessments, Bettr makes financing more inclusive. Its alternative data-based modeling enables quick and accurate credit evaluations, even for businesses without traditional financial records. Bettr is also ensuring that its lending services comply with Brazil’s regulatory framework. Meanwhile, AliExpress’s extensive eCommerce ecosystem allows for smooth integration of financing solutions, giving sellers direct access to tailored credit through the platform’s merchant portal.

Quan Yu, General Manager of Ant International’s Global Credit Tech, said, “Our partnership with AliExpress marks a meaningful first step in broadening financial access for local businesses. Bettr looks forward to expanding this impact to more regions. SMEs make up the vast majority of businesses globally, yet many still struggle to secure the funding they need to grow. By harnessing the power of AI and collaborating with diverse local partners, we are dedicated to turning cutting-edge technologies into real and practical solutions with offerings like Bettr Working Capital, empowering SMEs to unlock new growth opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the real economy. This commitment lies at the heart of our mission to bring small and beautiful changes to the world.”

Briza Bueno, LatAm director of AliExpress said, “We are very excited about this partnership with Bettr, which will further enhance the support offered to local sellers in Brazil. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive by providing accessible and efficient financial tools that can take their operations to the next level. In this way, we are not only supporting the individual growth of these entrepreneurs but also contributing to the advancement of eCommerce in the country. Together, we are building an ecosystem where sellers have more resources and opportunities to innovate, expand, and reach new levels of success.”