M1 NXT Expands Trade Financing for SMEs with Air8 Partnership

The Indian MSME export sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with total export value reaching ₹12.39 lakh crore in 2024-25. The number of MSME exporters has surged to 173,350, since 2020-21. On the global front, the MSME credit gap is estimated at $5.7 trillion, highlighting the urgent need for accessible trade financing solutions presenting a vast opportunity for Trade finance.

M1 NXT, a leading platform for international trade financing, has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Air8, a global supply chain finance provider. The collaboration is aimed at improving access to cross-border trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by simplifying international transactions and mitigating counterparty risk.

This initiative comes at a time when India’s MSME export sector has demonstrated strong performance, with total exports reaching ₹12.39 lakh crore in FY 2024–25 and the number of exporters rising to 173,350 since FY 2020–21. Globally, the SME credit shortfall stands at an estimated USD 5.7 trillion, highlighting the critical need for scalable trade financing mechanisms.

Air8, a digital venture of LFX—an affiliate of global supply chain solutions leader Li & Fung—focuses on financing SME exporters in emerging markets. Since its launch in 2021, the company has recorded annual gross merchandise value (GMV) of over USD 1 billion and has supported suppliers across multiple geographies.

M1 NXT, a subsidiary of Mynd Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and a key operator in India’s TReDS framework, functions as an International Trade Financing Services (ITFS) platform under the regulatory jurisdiction of IFSCA at GIFT City. The platform connects global financial institutions with exporters and importers, delivering simplified and cost-effective access to working capital.

Left: Munindra Verma, CEO of M1 NXT; right: Ankit Verma, India Lead of Air8

Under the terms of the partnership, Air8 will join M1 NXT’s network of financiers, bringing its expertise in supply chain risk management and trade finance. This collaboration will allow SMEs to access tailored financing solutions more efficiently, enabling them to expand global operations and enhance liquidity.

Munindra Verma, Chief Executive Officer of M1 NXT, stated, “This partnership aligns with our mission to close the global trade finance gap for SMEs. By integrating our ITFS platform with Air8’s deep capabilities in supply chain financing, we are creating an inclusive, digital ecosystem that offers fast, secure, and scalable access to capital for businesses participating in cross-border trade.”

Ankit Verma, India Lead for Air8, added, “The global MSME credit gap of USD 5.7 trillion illustrates a critical need for accessible trade finance. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower SMEs with financial tools that enable risk management, operational scaling, and sustainable market expansion.”

This strategic alliance reinforces M1 NXT’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion in international commerce by enabling broader and more equitable participation in global trade networks.

M1 NXT is an advanced trade finance platform supporting global exporters and importers through fully digital, competitive, and secure financing solutions. As a subsidiary of M1xchange and regulated under IFSCA, the platform offers services including international factoring, supply chain financing, and risk-mitigated trade support.

The news can be found on SME Street, FinTechBizNews, Manufacturing Today, the Machine Maker, CXOToday, and IBS Intelligence 

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