Ant International is deepening its push into Latin America with a strategic investment in R2 to expand credit access for SMEs in a region facing a gap of more than US$1 trillion. Financial details were not disclosed.

The partnership builds on Ant International’s experience in digital finance and R2’s embedded lending technology.

R2’s API-based, white-labeled system enables merchants to access financing directly within the platforms they already use, including point-of-sale systems, payment processors, marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

Ant International said the move follows the SME working capital solutions it launched earlier this year in Brazil through its Global Credit Services unit.

R2 will continue deploying its tested lending infrastructure and market-tailored credit offerings, while Ant’s AI-powered risk and credit tools are expected to enhance underwriting and lower borrowing costs for SMEs.

Founded in 2020, R2 operates in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Brazil.

Its revenue-based financing model, used by major digital platform partners such as inDrive, Uber Eats, Rappi, Haulmer and PayU, has supported more than 100,000 SMEs in LATAM, where only about 13% of small business credit demand is met by banks and fintech firms.

“Partnering with Ant International is a defining step in R2’s journey.

Together, we will combine world-class risk management, AI-driven underwriting, and capital to bring inclusive credit at scale – empowering millions of small and micro businesses while keeping true to our mission of making access to finance frictionless at the point of need.”

said Roger Larach, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of R2.

“R2 has been clear in its mission and drive to support SMEs – the backbone of LATAM’s economy – from day one, underpinned by its founders’ deep understanding of the difficulties faced by small businesses, and a strong belief in overcoming these challenges with a digital-first approach.

With this shared commitment to inclusive growth, we are confident that we will be able to accelerate access to opportunities for businesses in the region by turning cutting-edge technologies into real, practical financing solutions.”

said Quan Yu, General Manager of Global Credit Services, Ant International.

Featured image: (From left) Roger Larach, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, R2; Quan Yu, General Manager of Global Credit Services, Ant International; Roger Teran, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer, R2