Are these the new paths for growth of the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price?

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) has been making new highs lately, and the Afterpay CEO is discussing the company's future growth plans

asx growth share price represented by lots of doors opening to the horizon

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Much has been made of the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price of late. That's generally what happens when a high-flying WAAAX growth share makes yet another brand new all-time high. This is precisely what occurred with the Afterpay share price this week, when it hit a new top of $105.80 on Monday.

Earlier this week, we discussed how the competition was heating up for the company, with the entrance of a few new competitors in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) space that Afterpay has made so famous.

However, reminiscent of Mark Zuckerberg's famous unofficial motto for Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB) in the company's early years – 'move fast and break things' – Afterpay is not a company that finds its laurels too comfortable to rest on.

Reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) this week shed some light on Afterpay's growth plans. According to the AFR, Afterpay co-founder and co-CEO, Anthony Eisen, has told investors that the company wants to "capitalise on its enormous 11-million strong customer base by better targeting young customers and supporting cross-border purchases".

Afterpay eyes the horizon

Appearing at the AFR's Banking and Wealth Summit this week, Mr. Eisen is reportedly exploring new ways to monetise the company's 11 million (and growing) base of customers. One of these 'ways' is a plan to allow merchants in one country to sell products in another country, and "providing foreign exchange services to facilitate cross border transactions."

The AFR quotes Mr. Eisen as stating that these plans, as well as the company's small but growing presence in Asia, were "early irons in the fire". However, he also notes that global retailers are "encouraging [Afterpay] to expand into new regions". These retailers include Chinese e-commerce giant Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0700), which Afterpay has an arrangement with dating back to May this year. It was also at this time that Tencent, an e-commerce powerhouse in its own right, acquired a large tranche of Afterpay shares. Some of the apps Tencent owns, such as WeChat, have billions of monthly users. However, Mr. Eisen still says that although the two companies have "some fabulous conversations", the relationship remains at "arms-length".

Turning to the prospect of future regulation, a bugbear seemingly always on the minds of Afterpay investors, Mr. Eisen was indifferent: "It's never been a point about avoiding regulation" he told the AFR, noting that ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investment Commission) has a "fit for purpose" approach to the BNPL space. He also praised ASIC for "recognising that Afterpay was differentiated from the broader sector".

It's worth noting, however, that not everyone shares this view. The AFR also quotes Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) CEO, Matt Comyn, who reckons that "regulation is inevitable but not imminent".

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Facebook. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Facebook. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Facebook. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Growth Shares

A businessman compares the growth trajectory of property versus shares.
Growth Shares

Are these 2 top ASX growth shares buys?

ASX growth shares can deliver strong results. Should these stocks be in your portfolio?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Growth Shares

These ASX growth stocks could rise 80% to 100%

Let's see what brokers are tipping as buys with big return potential.

Read more »

Man holding a tray of burritos, symbolising the Guzman share price.
Share Market News

Wingstop mania hits Sydney — is Guzman y Gomez next in line to soar?

Can Guzman y Gomez be Australia’s next fast food success story on the ASX?

Read more »

A smiling woman sits in a cafe reading a story on her phone about Rio Tinto and drinking a coffee with a laptop open in front of her.
Growth Shares

3 ASX shares for beginners to buy with $500

These shares are highly rated by analysts. Let's see why they could be top picks for beginners.

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Growth Shares

Invest $5,000 into these excellent ASX growth shares

These shares could be top picks for growth investors. Let's find out why.

Read more »

three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.
Growth Shares

3 ASX 200 shares that are up more than 30% in a month. Can they go higher?

Are there more gains ahead for these shares? Let's find out.

Read more »

Two people toss papers in the air in joy.
Growth Shares

5 ASX shares for growth investors to buy with $10,000 in May

Analysts are saying good things about these shares. Let's see what they recommend as buys.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Growth Shares

The ultimate ASX growth shares to buy and hold for the next bull market

Brokers think these shares could be great long term investment options right now.

Read more »