Our Origin Story: Why We Started Hello Clever
Every big idea starts with a problem that’s too big to ignore. For us, it was the need for people to be smarter with their money — a world where payments weren’t just transactions, but opportunities. We envisioned a powerful ecosystem where users could make every dollar work harder for them. We saw a future where payments weren’t just faster and more rewarding, but fundamentally smarter. And that’s exactly why we started Hello Clever — to create the most powerful payment platform that empowers people to “be clever with their money.”
Our mission from day one was clear: to create the most powerful all-in-one, cross-border, real-time payment platform with embedded loyalty at its core. We set out to build an ecosystem where users get more from every interaction, and merchants see real, tangible value every time. It’s not just about making payments smarter, simpler, and faster — it’s about putting the consumer’s needs first and delivering a system where every transaction drives loyalty, engagement, and growth. This wasn’t about following industry norms — it was about redefining them. We didn’t just want to join the fintech space; we wanted to lead it.
Fast forward to today, and that same purpose-driven spirit remains at the heart of everything we do. We’re still here to challenge, to innovate, and to lead. We’re not for everyone — and that’s exactly the point.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Defiance, Distinction, and Delivering Value
As we close out 2024, one thing is clear — better payments create better outcomes. By focusing on the needs of merchants and customers, we’ve delivered solutions that truly work, driving growth, loyalty, and smarter spending. Standing out wasn’t our goal, but it’s been the result of putting the customer first.
Key Highlights from 2024
This year has been all about driving real change where it matters most: empowering merchants and customers through smarter, faster, and more rewarding payments. Here are some of the milestones we’re most proud of:
1. In-Store Innovation: If You’re Still Doing It The Old Way….
Our partnership with Tyro Payments changed the game for In-store Cashback. We’re not just at the point of sale — we’re reinventing it. Instant Cashback Rewards are now table stakes for merchants who want to stand out and for customers who demand better.
2. Leading Real-Time Payments and Embedded Loyalty
By enhancing our all-in-one payment platform, we’ve reinforced our position as leaders in real-time payments and embedded loyalty. Every transaction now drives engagement, loyalty, and creates better outcomes for merchants and customers alike, bringing real value with every tap.
3. Partnerships That Drive Real Value
From Choco Up and Sleek, 2024 was about building partnerships that matter. These collaborations have created faster payments, smarter solutions, and better rewards for everyone in our ecosystem — because partnerships should drive progress, not headlines.
4. Recognition Earned, Not Chased
This year, Hello Clever was named on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list and celebrated as Australia’s second fastest growing startup by The Australian Financial Review. These accolades weren’t the goal — they’re the result of building solutions that work for merchants and customers alike.
Our People: The Heart of Everything We Do
None of this would be possible without the “Cleverians” — a team that’s bold, curious, and relentlessly committed to making payments better for everyone. In 2024, we grew our team globally across Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam, embraced hybrid working, and cultivated a culture that embraces big ideas and delivers tangible impact.
Our people don’t just dream big — they deliver, ensuring every idea makes a difference where it matters most.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look to 2025, our mission remains unchanged: smarter, faster, and more rewarding payments that empower merchants and customers. Here’s how we’ll take it even further:
1. Expanding Across APAC
We’re just getting started in Singapore, the Philippines, and Japan. Our ambition is clear: lead loyalty to payments across APAC. New countries, new partners, and new possibilities are on the horizon.
2. Brilliance Over Busyness
Product launches aren’t the goal — delivering brilliance is. In 2025, Hello Clever will continue to grow as the ultimate payments engine, our embedded loyalty solutions will unlock new use cases, and our product experiences will only get sharper and smarter.
3. Building Deeper Connections
Our first in-person event, elevate by Hello Clever, was just the beginning. In 2025, we’ll host more events, foster co-creation, and create new opportunities for our users, partners, and team to connect and collaborate in meaningful ways.
4. Purpose-Driven Progress
In 2025, we’ll formalise our sustainability agenda to ensure our growth remains ethical, responsible, and impactful. Purpose isn’t just a buzzword for us — it’s the foundation of how we create value for the community and the planet.
5. People First, Always
The Cleverians are the backbone of everything we do. In 2025, we’re doubling down on leadership development, well-being, and creating career-defining opportunities that inspire and empower our team.
We’re proud of what we’ve built. But make no mistake — 2025 will be even bolder, even smarter, and even more unapologetically clever.
Here’s to the future — where fitting in is optional, but leading is required.
With purpose and pride,
Caroline Tran
CEO, Hello Clever
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