UOB sees rising trade finance demand in ASEAN and Greater China

Digital payments made up 90% of total transaction volumes in the first half.

United Overseas Bank (UOB) said it reported a strong growth in its cross-border business across ASEAN and Greater China as companies continue to move supply chains to the region.

The bank said demand for trade finance, financial supply chain management (FSCM), and digital payment solutions has increased as firms diversify production and sales. 

UOB’s digital platform, UOB Infinity, saw FSCM anchors rise by 21% and spokes by 18% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with more than two-thirds from ASEAN-based companies. 

Digital payments made up 90% of total transaction volumes during the same period.

The bank also launched its latest Gateway to ASEAN Paper, which found that 75% of global executives plan to reconfigure supply chains within the next three to five years, whilst 45% of those looking at ASEAN intend to build local supply chains.

UOB’s head of Group Wholesale Banking and Global Markets, Frederick Chin, said ASEAN is benefiting from strong trade and capital flows as companies realign their operations, adding that businesses are increasingly seeking banking partners that can provide cross-border connectivity and financial insight.