Airwallex ‘outsider’ Jack Zhang set to defy US attacks

Airwallex founder Jack Zhang is confident he can navigate a fresh round of criticism in the United States about the $US11 billion payment company’s alleged ties to China, describing himself as an outsider who has always had to work harder to win over investors and regulators.

Airwallex cemented its position as one of the fastest-growing fintechs in the world last month when it raised $US320 million at a valuation of $US11 billion ($15.9 billion) from mostly US-based venture capital firms, including Addition and Hummingbird, which backed its geographic expansion and artificial intelligence plans.