Hong Leong Bank taps UnionPay to unlock payments at 120mil China merchants

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) has partnered with UnionPay International (UPI) to expand cross-border payment options for customers who are travelling, shopping and conducting business overseas.

The partnership allows HLB customers to make payments at more than 120 million merchants across China, as well as participating merchants in Hong Kong, Macao and Thailand, through HLB QR Pay on the HLB Connect mobile banking app.

The service is integrated with UPI's network and Weixin Pay, enabling customers to pay directly through their banking app without relying on third-party applications or topping up separate digital wallets.

It also complements the bank's existing multi-currency features under its HLB Pay&Save Account, which allow customers to lock in exchange rates in advance.

HLB group managing director and chief executive officer Kevin Lam said the collaboration would help customers make overseas payments with greater confidence as they travel, maintain family ties and pursue business opportunities beyond Malaysia.

He said the partnership with UPI would provide access to a wider international merchant network while supporting secure and reliable transactions for both customers and merchants.

Meanwhile, UPI vice-president Carlson Li said the collaboration would connect different payment systems and make cross-border transactions more convenient while supporting commerce between markets.

Meanwhile, HLB managing director of personal financial services Andrew Jong said the partnership reflected the bank's efforts to expand its digital payment capabilities in line with customers' changing needs when travelling overseas.

HLB's existing cross-border payment options include scanning participating merchants' QR codes, displaying in-app QR codes for merchants to scan, linking eligible cards to Chinese superapps such as Weixin Pay, and making direct card payments.

Customers can also use supported mobile wallets, including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

HLB said it would continue to develop international partnerships to broaden payment connectivity and support customers as their needs expand across markets.