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Tuesday, 27 October 2026

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Hong Leong Bank Expands Cross-Border QR Payments to 120 Million Merchants in China Through UnionPay Partnership

Hong Leong Bank has partnered with UnionPay International to enable QR payments at more than 120 million merchants in China, while extending access to participating merchants in Hong Kong, Macao and Thailand.

By Bernard Lee6 min read

Kuala Lumpur, 27 October 2026 – Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLB) has strengthened its cross-border payment capabilities through a strategic partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), enabling customers to make QR payments at more than 120 million UPI and Weixin Pay-enabled merchants across China, as well as participating merchants in Hong Kong, Macao and Thailand. The collaboration, formally marked on Tuesday, follows the bank’s introduction of its China QR payment service on 22 October 2026.

For Malaysian businesses, investors and travellers, the partnership offers a more direct way to make payments overseas without relying on separate third-party payment applications or repeated e-wallet top-ups. By integrating QR payments with HLB’s existing multi-currency banking features, customers can also convert Malaysian ringgit into offshore Chinese yuan (CNH) before travelling, allowing them to manage exchange-rate exposure and plan spending more effectively.

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Author

  • Bernard Lee

    Bernard is a social activist dedicated to championing community empowerment, equality, and social justice. With a strong voice on issues affecting grassroots communities, he brings insightful perspectives shaped by on-the-ground advocacy and public engagement. As a columnist for The Ledger Asia, Bernard writes thought-provoking pieces that challenge norms, highlight untold stories, and inspire conversations aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.