WealthTech in Southeast Asia matters more than ever. Although startup funding slowed considerably in 2025, technology across the region continues to advance faster than legacy institutions can adapt. But it doesn't have to, Liam Reeve and Urs Bolt write in a research article on finews.asia.

Southeast Asia is at a pivotal juncture. Across the region, over 60 percent of high-net-worth individuals (HNW) are aged above 60, and thus it is a critical moment for intergenerational wealth transfer. At the same time, mass affluent consumers in many countries have ballooned in recent years. And as digital expectations continue to rise, Southeast Asian clients expect solutions in all areas of life to be digitally-friendly. 

The world over, wealth managers are preparing for the next generation of clients. In Southeast Asia, this shift extends beyond traditional HNW families served by private bankers and family offices. A new type of client is emerging in the wealth management space, shaped by rising affluence, digital familiarity, and evolving expectations around access and personalization.

Broader Shift Toward Consolidated Ecosystems

As Southeast Asia continues its rapid development, demand for wealth management services is rising sharply. The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that between 2020 and 2030, the number of high- and upper-income households across ASEAN will double to 57 million. This expansion is accelerating the adoption of digital wealth management solutions across the region.