In October, Instantia was named a finalist in the AFR Most Innovative Companies Awards in the Technology category, one of Australia’s leading programs recognising and celebrating businesses that are challenging the status quo through creativity and technology-driven solutions. This acknowledgement highlights the evolution of our platform, the tangible impact of our solutions, and our ongoing commitment to innovating how businesses manage currency risk and cross-border payments.

Founded by CEO Richard Poulton and COO Danny Pezeshki, and backed by global technology leader VNG, Instantia has grown into a platform supporting global businesses across more than 200 countries and facilitating transactions in over 110 currencies. Being recognised by one of the country’s most respected innovation platforms marks an important milestone, reflecting how far Instantia has come and underscoring our role in transforming how global businesses manage foreign exchange and cross‑border payments. This year, the AFR Most Innovative Companies Awards attracted over 700 nominations, with just 10 finalists selected in the Technology category.

Our Innovation Journey

Instantia began with a straightforward but ambitious goal: to provide businesses with real-time transparency and control over their FX risk. Frustrated by slow processes, opaque pricing, and legacy systems, our founding team set out to create smarter, interactive solutions for FX risk management and cross-border payments.

From its origins, Instantia has evolved into a technology-led business supporting more than $10 billion in trades, enabling organisations to manage risk with confidence and precision. Our platform, including our Risk Management Intelligence (RMI) tool, visualises forward and option positions, allowing businesses to simulate scenarios and actively manage FX risk. Every advancement, from enhanced FX management tools to faster, more seamless payment pathways, is driven by a purpose: equipping businesses with clarity, control, and informed decision-making across global operations.

What This Recognition Means

Being named a finalist in the 2025 AFR Most Innovative Companies Awards is a significant recognition of Instantia’s progress and impact, indicating that our innovation is resonating with both industry leaders and clients alike. The trust placed in our platform is reflected in the thousands of cross-border payments we execute each year, supported by a 97.97% first-day delivery rate, demonstrating our reliability and the strength of our technology.

This acknowledgement demonstrates that our focus on technology, client experience, and continuous improvement is both valued and effective. While we did not take home the top prize, being shortlisted in a program of this calibre affirms that Instantia’s innovations are shaping the future of FX and international payments.

Looking Ahead

This recognition marks an important milestone, yet for Instantia, innovation is an ongoing journey focused on FX risk management, continuously advancing to provide clients with real-time visibility and control over their FX exposures.

As we look toward 2026, several initiatives are already in motion. We are enhancing the Risk Management Intelligence (RMI) platform, developing new tools to provide clients with real-time visibility and control over their FX exposures, and improving the overall client experience, while continuing to provide the reliable, high-quality services our clients rely on. This commitment is embedded in everything we do, and these recent acknowledgements reinforce our dedication to continuous improvement, practical problem-solving, and delivering measurable value for businesses managing FX risk.

Our focus extends beyond technology and solutions. Through sponsor partnerships, we are broadening our impact and reinforcing our commitment to the communities and markets we serve. These collaborations demonstrate how innovation at Instantia is purposeful, extending influence and value beyond the platform itself.

By maintaining this disciplined approach, building new capabilities, refining processes, and scaling impactful solutions, Instantia remains positioned to deliver industry-leading tools and experiences that redefine expectations in FX risk management.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

We are proud of the progress achieved and remain committed to advancing solutions that deliver transparency, control, and strategic insight for businesses managing FX risks.

Learn more about how Instantia is transforming FX and international payments at https://www.instantia.co/