Southeast Asia

Singapore and Vietnam expand MOU on financial innovation

It enables cross-border retail payment connectivity using QR codes.

JCB now available in Google Play of Hong Kong and 4 SEA markets

JCB said it will continue to provide its cardmembers expanded accessibility.

Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia harmonise local currency transaction framework

Portfolio investments are now part of the eligible cross-border transactions.

Southeast Asian countries' credit growth diverges

Thailand has been hit with weak economic growth, whilst

Southeast Asian banks’ face mixed outcomes from shallower rate decline

Philippine and Singapore banks will be key beneficiaries if rates are higher.

SeABank exceeds target with 31% YoY profit surge

The bank aims to record a 10% profit increase this year.

SEA fintech funding drop 23% to $1.6b in 2024

This is 75% lower than the funding it got in 2022.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam banks to boost 2025 financials

Sri Lanka’s political crises are receding; Vietnam will be lifted by higher loan growth

Philippine banks’ costs to rise; Singapore lenders face slower profit growth

Singapore banks’ net interest margins have already peaked in 2024.

Vietnam, Cambodia to strengthen ties in central bank management

Both parties also reaffirmed their commitment to connect retail payments using QR codes.

Southeast Asia’s BNPL market to reach $53.2b by 2027

Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia are the most promising markets.\

Southeast Asia’s digital banks – the road from good to great

Experts from McKinsey share five principles digital banks need to practice.

Maybank rolls out green financial advisory service to SEA SMEs

Small and medium enterprises will receive funding to aid in their sustainability reporting.

Ant Int’l launches digital sustainability scorecard for MSMEs

The scorecard offers actionable insights for MSMEs to enhance ESG credibility.

Mobile Wallets are Southeast Asia’s Pathway to Financial Inclusion

As Southeast Asia’s economies are becoming increasingly interconnected, there are plenty of opportunities for global firms to make cross-border payments seamless.