Fintech Funding News

Kakao Pay Leads $20 Million Series A Funding Round in Malaysian Fintech Firm Paywatch

• ByStartupStory     |    November 6, 2025

South Korea’s Kakao Pay has joined a $20 million Series A funding round in Malaysian fintech firm Paywatch, a leading provider of earned wage access (EWA) and financial wellness solutions across Southeast Asia. The round also saw participation from Malaysia’s Artem Ventures, underscoring growing investor confidence in Paywatch’s regional fintech innovation.

Founded by Richard Kim and Alex Kim, Paywatch aims to democratize financial access for underserved workers by allowing real-time access to earned wages, helping reduce reliance on high-interest payday loans and fostering financial inclusion. The company’s platform integrates with leading banks like Citi, OCBC, HSBC, and CIMB, serving over 200,000 employees and processing more than $150 million in transactions.

The fresh capital will accelerate Paywatch’s product expansion, including payroll solutions, employee rewards, savings, insurance, and global money movement features. The funding also supports market growth in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with plans for further expansion.

Paywatch has gained recognition from organizations such as the UN Capital Development Fund and Bank Negara Malaysia for its impact on financial inclusion. The company has established partnerships with major corporations including Genting Group, DFI Retail Group, Wilmar, and Shangri-La Hotels.

Kakao Pay’s investment highlights its strategic interest in expanding financial technology services across Asia, leveraging Paywatch’s innovative solutions to address wage access and financial wellbeing.

In summary, Kakao Pay’s entry as a key investor in Paywatch’s $20 million Series A round signals a significant boost for Paywatch’s growth trajectory, driving technology-led financial inclusion for millions of workers across Southeast Asia.

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