Olea Global Pte Ltd, a platform focused on simplifying global trade, has completed a US$30m Series A funding round led by BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria), with participation from XDC Network, theDOCK and other investors, alongside existing shareholder SC Ventures, the venture-building arm of Standard Chartered Bank. The capital will be deployed to support innovation across Olea’s platform, including investment in AI-driven analytics, Web3 readiness and specialist capabilities to deliver high-growth solutions such as embedded finance, aligned with evolving client needs. Olea also plans to scale origination in high-growth markets, leveraging its global partnership ecosystem. The equity raise follows a funding facility announced in November 2024, arranged by HSBC and Manulife | CQS Investment Management. As lead investor, BBVA is expected to support Olea’s expansion into new trade corridors across Europe, the US, Latin America and Asia. BBVA and Olea said they will collaborate to develop digital supply-chain solutions and advanced risk analytics, leveraging their respective strengths. SC Ventures, which incubated Olea, reaffirmed its commitment to the venture’s long-term vision in global trade, with further collaboration being explored in areas including digital assets and artificial intelligence. XDC Network, a layer-1 blockchain platform, said its participation strengthens Olea’s ambition to support tokenised and stablecoin-enabled trade flows. theDOCK, a venture capital firm focused on the maritime logistics sector, is expected to open new commercial pathways and ecosystem partnerships for Olea. The funding round reflects investor confidence in Olea’s strategy to transform trade finance through technology, data intelligence and institutional governance. Since its launch in 2022, Olea has built an institutional-grade platform supported by robust risk management and a capital markets services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The company has established an origination network spanning more than 70 trade corridors and partnered with over 30 institutional funders, delivering more than US$3bn in financing to global suppliers and buyers. Olea is headquartered in Singapore and was originally founded with investment from SC Ventures and Linklogis. “This funding marks an important milestone in Olea’s journey,” said Amelia Ng, chief executive officer of Olea. “The confidence shown by our new and existing investors is a strong validation of the business we have built — institutional-grade, scalable and ready for the next phase of growth. We are committed to building an efficient and accessible trade ecosystem that connects capital, commerce and technology.” Eva Rubio, head of global transaction banking at BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking, said leading the investment round reaffirmed BBVA’s commitment to innovation in global trade. “Together with Olea, we are building a more agile, transparent and inclusive model that connects global liquidity with the real needs of companies,” she said. Alex Manson, chief executive officer of SC Ventures, said: “From incubation at SC Ventures to becoming a recognised digital trade finance platform, we are proud of Olea’s growth trajectory. Our participation in the funding round underscores our belief that Olea can unlock a more efficient and scalable global trade ecosystem.” Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker
