AI services expand in Macao’s payment, finance sectors

MACAU Pass, a Macao-based fintech platform, is expanding AI-powered digital payment services in Macao, with support from Ant Bank (Macao) and Alibaba ecosystem partners, as the city pushes ahead with smart-city development and economic diversification.

The applications, showcased at the just-concluded BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo 2026 in Macao, covered digital payments, smart finance, cloud computing and AI-enabled business services.

MPay, MACAU Pass' e-wallet, currently serves nearly 90 percent of local residents and covers more than 100 daily-life scenarios, ranging from dining and retail to ride-hailing, ticketing, utility bill payments and cross-border payments, the company said.

Through the Alipay+ global payment network, MPay can be used in 62 countries and regions, while MACAU Pass' merchant acquiring services cover about 90 percent of local businesses. The company said this allows visitors from more than 10 countries and regions to pay in Macao with their own e-wallets, improving convenience for inbound travelers.

The company has also moved to use AI in merchant services. In April, it launched an AI payment assistant to help small and micro businesses lower the threshold for adopting digital tools.

Sun Ho, chairman and chief executive officer of MACAU Pass, said the widespread adoption of mobile payments has laid a foundation for Macao to expand AI-enabled services across more business and consumer scenarios, while strengthening the city's connectivity with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and global markets.

On the financial services side, Ant Bank (Macao), backed by Ant Group and Alibaba Group, has developed digital services covering payments, savings, wealth management, credit and cross-border remittances. In October 2025, the bank launched its first 24-hour unmanned self-service branch, offering cash deposits, cheque drop-offs and account inquiries, the company said.