MESSAGE FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
It would probably be fair to call the Asia-Pacific region a global leader in innovative solutions related to financial inclusion.
Read More...UnaFinancial, a payment solutions provider in Asia and Europe, recently projected that Asia will exceed the global average in financial inclusion by 2030. Low-cost payment solutions are sprouting up all around, yet partially as a result, Asia has also unfortunately become a leader in malign financial innovation, such as financial fraud. The balance of these forces will affect the lives of billions, as well as the role of the financial sector in society.
This edition of the newsletter features perspectives from several countries. Thailand has undergone an interesting shift in its payments infrastructure from a public sector to more of a private sector focus. India, meanwhile, has moved beyond consumer infrastructure into platforms to help financially fragile MSMEs obtain access to the credit they need. Here in Taiwan, meanwhile, a key focus of inclusion is its large population of migrant workers, who often require education to interact productively with the financial system. Correctly balancing all related issues will be essential to shape a responsible and compliant financial sector.
This edition also features video interviews with our own APABI Secretariat of TABF, as well as IBF in Singapore, a global leader in banking regulation and innovation, so be sure to have a look below. I look forward to our discussion on financial inclusion, as well as the other topics we are all working on, during our July virtual roundtable. See you there!
Regards,
David Stinson
Editor-in-Chief, APABI Focus Newsletter
INSIGHTS
-
Click to play a preview of our featured member interviews this quarter. The full interviews are available below.
Digital Payments for Broader Access; Fintechs – the Ideal Collaborators (NIBAF)
Agile and scalable fintech models present a stark contrast to traditional banking, playing a critical role in bridging the gap between the banked and unbanked.
Read More...
Roong Mallikamas: From open finance to an inclusive digital society (BIS)
Initially, Thailand’s national real-time payment system focused on inclusion and stability. Now, it recognizes that smaller, agile players are often better positioned to innovate.
Read More...
The Impact of Supply Chain Financing (SCF) on MSME Performance in India (IIBF)
Integration with partners is the main factor affecting adoption of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) among MSMEs in India, accounting for 48.90%.
Read More...
Digital Finance Platforms Fill MSMEs’ Financing Gap in Asian Developing Markets (Fintech News Singapore)
Currently, digital finance only partially fulfills the needs of MSMEs in developing markets, mostly supporting them with short-term funding.
Read More...
Enhancing Financial Literacy and Inclusion Through Education: The Sri Lanka Experience (IBSL)
Sri Lanka's experience gives several key lessons that are learning points from the larger Asia-Pacific region on how financial literacy has acted to spur financial inclusion.
Read More...
A Safe Harbor for New Residents in Taiwan (TABF)
Taiwan has over 1 million migrants. The public sector and financial industry can help them to overcome their language barriers, culture gaps, and lack of financial knowledge.
Read More...
MEMBER INTERVIEWS
Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBFSG)
Ms. Carolyn Neo, Chief Executive Officer of IBF, describes Singapore’s new Jobs Transformation Roadmap for Sustainable Finance.
Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF)
Hear Dr. Paul Lei, Chairman of TABF, talk about Taiwan’s banking sector and his vision for the APABI Secretariat.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction to the Certificate in Digital & AI Evolution in Banking (CBI)
This taster webinar offered a preview of the Certificate in Digital & AI Evolution in Banking — a professional qualification designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the fast-changing world of digital finance.
Read More... Photo Photo Credit: CBI Website
Taiwan’s AI-Driven Financial Innovation & Digital Transformation: The Next Big Opportunity in the Global Market (TABF)
This exclusive webinar will offer deep insights into Taiwan’s latest AI financial policies, banking sector digitalization, and the strategic deployment of AI in financial operations, risk management, customer engagement, and process optimization—driving the next era of financial excellence. We invite global financial leaders, industry pioneers, and decision-makers to discover why Taiwan is at the forefront of AI-powered finance and explore high-impact collaboration and investment opportunities in this dynamic market.
Read More... Photo Credit: TABF LinkedIn
UPCOMING EVENTS
From Vision to Action: Taiwan’s Sustainable Finance Transformation
Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF)
MyFintech Week 2025
Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)
The Regulators 2025
Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Mr. Visal SOU
CEO, IBFKH
Dr. Kratika Shrivastava
Deputy Director of Academics, IIBF
Ms. Shahla Naqvi
Senior Manager of Publications & Communication, NIBAF, Pakistan
Mr. C P A Karunatilake
Director General, IBSL
Ms. L. Jinandi R. Chandraratne
Deputy Head of Academics, IBSL
Mr. Bryan Fu
AVP & Head of Financial Inclusion Group, TABF
Ms. Racquel B. Mañago
Chief Adviser to the Board, BAIPHIL
Ms. Atty. Leila Paz-Aguba
Trustee, BAIPHIL
Arranged in alphabetical order by country name
CONTACT US
The APABI Secretariat always welcomes your thoughts, feedback and resources sharing to benefit our community. Please feel free to contact us via email below if we can be of any assistance.