ASEAN Fintech Ecosystem Integration Urged to Drive Digital Growth

ASEAN should focus on building a fully integrated regional financial-technology network rather than simply connecting individual markets if it wants to become a leading digital-finance hub, according to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang.

Speaking at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, he said an ASEAN fintech ecosystem would be critical to supporting economic growth, innovation and financial inclusion.

Thang called for closer collaboration among governments, regulators, businesses and investors to create an open, secure, transparent and sustainable ASEAN fintech ecosystem.

He described fintech as strategic infrastructure capable of enhancing cross-border connectivity and strengthening trust in the digital economy.

Participants highlighted artificial intelligence, digital identity systems, data infrastructure and cross-border payment networks as essential foundations for deeper regional integration.

Thang also proposed exploring an ASEAN-wide fintech sandbox to allow controlled testing of cross-border digital-finance solutions.

The initiative reflects growing momentum behind efforts to create a more connected and competitive regional financial-services landscape.