Airwallex and ONE Store Partner to Scale Korean Gaming Globally

Airwallex and ONE Store have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to streamline global financial operations for South Korean game developers. This strategic partnership aims to reduce the operational complexity and high costs associated with international payments, providing a scalable foundation for publishers to reach global audiences through ONE Store’s expanding marketplace.

What was announced

Airwallex and ONE Store formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 15 in Seoul. The partnership is designed to support ONE Store’s transition from a dominant player in the South Korean gaming ecosystem to an international app marketplace. By integrating Airwallex’s global financial infrastructure, the two companies intend to simplify the cross-border payment landscape for game developers and publishers.

Currently, developers operating on a global scale must manage diverse platform fee structures and fragmented local payment requirements. The collaboration aims to address these pain points by reducing the reliance on multiple intermediaries and gateways, which often inflate operational costs and squeeze margins. The initiative is geared toward providing a more consistent and convenient payment experience for players while offering publishers a scalable foundation for international growth.

The partnership also includes a commitment to industry engagement, with Airwallex scheduled to participate in the G-STAR conference this November. During the event, the company plans to consult with game companies, developers, and industry partners regarding the specific financial challenges and opportunities of global expansion. This strategic move aligns with ONE Store’s goal of providing more choice and opportunity for its developer community as they look beyond the domestic Korean market.

"Korea is one of the world’s most dynamic markets for games and digital entertainment, with developers and publishers building ambitious businesses for players around the world,"

Keun Bin Kim, Head of Enterprise for South Korea at Airwallex

The companies involved

Airwallex is a global financial platform designed for modern businesses, providing infrastructure that supports cross-border payments, treasury management, and embedded finance. The company has established itself as a significant player in the fintech sector, frequently expanding its service offerings to include AI-driven financial tools and autonomous infrastructure. With a strong presence in major financial hubs, Airwallex focuses on removing the friction traditionally associated with international business growth and has become a primary partner for firms scaling across borders.

ONE Store is a leading independent app marketplace based in South Korea. It has built a robust position within the domestic gaming ecosystem, offering an alternative to the dominant global app stores. The company provides a platform for developers and publishers to distribute digital content, particularly mobile games, to a large user base. As it seeks to expand its footprint internationally, ONE Store is focusing on creating a more competitive environment for developers by addressing the complexities of global distribution and payment processing. This partnership marks a significant step in its strategy to support the global ambitions of its developer and publisher ecosystem.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has followed Airwallex’s rapid evolution closely, recently reporting on the company’s move into the Airwallex Ushers in 'Agentic Banking Era' with New AI-Powered Business Accounts. This followed a significant capital injection, as Airwallex Secures $320M to Scale AI-Native Autonomous Finance Infrastructure in September 2026. The company’s focus on international expansion challenges was highlighted in an Airwallex Study: Payment Friction Costs UK Economy £10.5bn and Stalls Global Expansion, which underscored the high stakes of cross-border payment efficiency. Additionally, the firm has sought to increase its brand visibility through high-profile sports marketing, as seen when Airwallex Teams Up with Arsenal FC for Major Global Payments Ad Campaign earlier this year.

What this means

This MOU signals a direct challenge to the "app store tax" model that has long frustrated the gaming industry. By partnering with a fintech specialist like Airwallex, ONE Store is positioning itself as a more developer-friendly alternative to established giants, specifically targeting the high costs of cross-border monetization. For the fintech sector, this move highlights the growing importance of vertical-specific payment solutions. The gaming industry’s unique requirements—high transaction volumes, micro-payments, and global player bases—demand more than generic banking. This partnership puts pressure on traditional payment gateways to prove their value in a market increasingly looking for integrated, low-friction financial ecosystems.