Global fintech event Money20/20 has unveiled its latest report, The Future of Fintech in APAC, ahead of its Asia conference in Bangkok from 22 to 24 April.
The report found that Southeast Asia is emerging as a top priority for fintech growth, with one in three industry stakeholders planning to expand into the region.
It highlights the region’s increasing prominence, driven by its dynamic market potential and a collective focus on financial inclusion.
The whitepaper is based on insights from over 50 stakeholders, including banks, fintech firms, and industry experts from countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
More than 95% of respondents emphasised financial inclusion and social good as key objectives, showcasing a shift toward human-centered approaches to expand financial access.
The report points to rapid advancements in digital payments and cross-border transaction innovations as key drivers of the region’s fintech growth.
Systems like PayNow, PromptPay, and UPI have spurred the adoption of non-cash payments, while blockchain partnerships, such as those between Thailand’s SCB and Lightnet and Singapore’s Project Ubin, are transforming cross-border payments.
These developments are bolstered by increasing regulatory clarity, which is enabling smoother collaboration between traditional banks and fintech players.
Banks and fintech firms are converging in their adoption of technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing to improve customer experiences and enhance operational efficiency.
The divide between digital-first and traditional institutions is narrowing as both sectors prioritise modernisation to stay competitive and meet evolving regulatory standards.
Embedded finance is also gaining traction, with platforms like GCash, Boost, and BigPay integrating financial services into everyday applications.
The focus is shifting from broad super apps to more targeted, industry-specific solutions, aiming to enhance usability and compliance.
However, challenges to financial inclusion persist, including digital literacy gaps, infrastructure issues, and complex regulations.
Stakeholders are addressing these barriers through market expansion, product innovation, and partnerships.
The full whitepaper is available here.

Ian Fong, Asia Content Director at Money 20/20, said,
“The findings underscore the importance of human-centered approaches in driving fintech success.
We are seeing a shift where regulators and traditional banks are open to discussion and collaboration with emerging fintech players on elevating user experience and broadening accessibility for customers, contributing to a more inclusive ecosystem.”
Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik