Currenc Sells Tranglo Stake for $400 Million to Fund Bold AI and Web3 Pivot

SINGAPORE – January 02, 2026 – Fintech innovator Currenc Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) has announced a landmark deal to divest its 60% controlling interest in the cross-border payment hub Tranglo Sdn. Bhd. for US$400 million. The all-cash transaction with New Margin Holding Limited marks the first major step in Currenc's ambitious strategy to shed legacy assets, reduce debt, and aggressively reinvest in the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, and digital assets.

This divestment is a cornerstone of a broader corporate restructuring that includes a proposed reverse-merger with the prominent metaverse and gaming company Animoca Brands. By monetizing its stake in the profitable payments business, Currenc is signaling a definitive shift in its corporate identity, betting its future on the transformative potential of next-generation technologies.

The Landmark Transaction

Under the terms of the definitive share purchase agreement, Currenc's wholly-owned subsidiary, Seamless Group Inc., will sell 100,465 ordinary shares of Tranglo to New Margin Holding. The US$400 million purchase price will be paid in two equal installments: US$200 million upon the deal's closing and the remaining US$200 million within 90 days thereafter.

The agreement, governed by Malaysian law, is subject to customary closing conditions, including securing regulatory approvals in relevant jurisdictions. A long-stop date of September 30, 2026, has been set, after which the agreement will terminate if the conditions are not met or waived, introducing a timeline for the deal's completion.

Alex Kong, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Chairman of Currenc Group, highlighted the deal's strategic importance in a statement. “This transaction represents a defining moment for Currenc,” he remarked. “This US$400 million divestment of Tranglo validates the strength of the businesses we have built and marks the first concrete step in executing our spin-off and transformation strategy. We believe this action positions Currenc to unlock significant value for shareholders while setting the foundation for our next phase of growth.”

A Strategic Pivot to Emerging Technologies

The sale of Tranglo is not merely a financial transaction but the engine for a company-wide metamorphosis. Currenc has explicitly stated its intention to use the proceeds to fortify its balance sheet by reducing debt and to provide the necessary capital to pivot decisively into AI, Web3, and digital assets. This move represents a calculated risk, trading the steady revenue of a mature payments infrastructure asset for a high-growth, but less certain, future in emerging tech.

This pivot is the central pillar of a multi-step restructuring plan. The divestment is the first tangible action following the company's previously announced framework for a proposed reverse-merger with Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain gaming and the open metaverse. By clearing debt and accumulating a significant cash reserve, Currenc is better positioned to execute this larger, more complex merger, which would fundamentally redefine its place in the market. The company’s focus is shifting towards its proprietary AI solutions, such as the SEAMLESS AI Call Centre, which aims to help financial institutions reduce costs and improve customer service.

The Value of a Payments Powerhouse

The US$400 million price tag for a 60% stake, implying a total valuation of approximately US$667 million for Tranglo, underscores the immense value of established cross-border payment networks. Founded in 2008, Tranglo has become a critical piece of global financial plumbing, enabling remittances, business payments, and mobile top-ups. Its vast network includes over 5,000 bank connections and more than 140,000 cash pickup points, providing the crucial “last-mile” connectivity for major e-wallets and financial services across more than 100 countries.

Tranglo's strategic importance was previously recognized in March 2021, when Ripple acquired a 40% stake to expand its blockchain-powered On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service in Southeast Asia, leveraging Tranglo's network for faster and cheaper cross-border payments. This history highlights Tranglo’s deep integration into both traditional and blockchain-based financial ecosystems.

The buyer, New Margin Holding Limited, is an offshore investment entity affiliated with NewMargin Ventures. Founded in 1999, NewMargin is a formidable Chinese private equity firm managing over RMB40 billion (approx. US$5.6 billion) in assets. With a history of investing in over 300 companies and guiding nearly 100 to successful IPOs or strategic exits, NewMargin brings substantial capital and M&A expertise. Its acquisition of a controlling stake in Tranglo signals strong confidence in the continued growth of the global payments sector and Tranglo's ability to capture a larger share of that market.

Unlocking Value and Charting a New Course

For Currenc, the Tranglo sale is a masterclass in strategic asset monetization. It allows the company to realize the intrinsic value of an operational business it helped build, providing immediate, non-dilutive capital. This cash infusion de-risks the company's financial profile and provides it with the strategic flexibility and “dry powder” needed to invest in its next chapter without being solely reliant on capital markets.

By streamlining its corporate structure, Currenc can now present a clearer, more focused narrative to investors—one centered on high-growth AI and Web3 initiatives. The divestment serves as proof of execution for its board and management, demonstrating a disciplined approach to delivering on its strategic promises. As the first domino to fall in its announced restructuring, the successful sale of the Tranglo stake builds momentum and credibility for the more ambitious steps that lie ahead, including the complex integration with Animoca Brands. The move effectively separates Currenc's past from its envisioned future, allowing it to pursue its new direction with a stronger financial foundation and a singular strategic focus.