Fintech Without Borders: The International Strategies of Leading Chinese Firms

Abstract

The international expansion of Chinese Fintech firms represents a critical transformation in the global financial landscape, shaped by rapid technological innovation and shifting regulatory dynamics. This study explores the strategic approaches adopted by leading Chinese Fintech enterprises, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay as they penetrate diverse global markets. Grounded in the Uppsala Internationalization Model and Product Life Cycle Theory, this paper examines how these firms adapt their operational models, navigate regulatory complexity, and overcome cultural and infrastructural challenges abroad. Through analysis of firm-level strategies, regulatory engagement, and ecosystem integration, this paper reveals a hybrid model of internationalization combining mergers, local partnerships, and technological exports. A comparative analysis with global counterparts highlights the influence of China’s centralized policy support and the Belt and Road Initiative in accelerating cross-border expansion. The findings underscore the need for Fintech firms to balance technological innovation with regulatory compliance, cultural alignment, and trust-building to ensure sustainable global growth.