Grab in talks to buy SoftBank-backed fintech firm Atome

Grab, the leading ride-hailing and food-delivery company in Southeast Asia, is reportedly in discussions to acquire a majority stake in Singapore-based buy-now-pay-later platform Atome Financial. The potential deal could value Atome at over US$2 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The talks are still ongoing and no final decisions have been made, the sources added, citing privacy concerns.

Atome, whose name means "Available to me," provides consumers with flexible payment options at both online and offline retailers in various sectors such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, travel, fitness, and homeware. In 2025, the company's revenue surged by 80% to US$470 million, leading to its second consecutive annual profit before taxes. The company's owner, Advance Intelligence Group, is backed by investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Warburg Pincus.

Grab, which is listed in the U.S., has seen its shares drop by 39% this year, resulting in a market value of US$12.4 billion. The firm is aiming to increase growth both organically and through acquisitions. Recently, Grab purchased Stash Financial in the U.S. for US$425 million and Foodpanda’s Taiwan operations from Delivery Hero for US$600 million.

In January, the company raised its annual earnings and sales forecasts, indicating that strong demand from commuters is helping to offset the impact of higher fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.