Asia Pacific (APAC) is at the epicenter of a digital banking transformation. With a population that is young, mobile-first, and increasingly demanding seamless digital experiences, the region presents both unique challenges and immense opportunities for banks. Incumbent institutions and new entrants alike are racing to deliver customer-focused digital experiences, modernize core systems, and address the pressing issue of financial inclusion. Publicis Sapient is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with leading banks across Southeast Asia and Australasia to help them thrive in a digital-first world.
Modern banking customers in APAC expect the same level of convenience and innovation they experience in other sectors. Yet, three out of four people in Southeast Asia still have insufficient access to financial services. This gap represents a significant opportunity for banks that can develop accessible, digital-first offerings at speed. As David Murphy, Head of Financial Services for EMEA & APAC at Publicis Sapient, notes: “Institutions that develop accessible digital offerings quickly will have a significant advantage.”
Publicis Sapient is working with banks across the region to:
The digital banking landscape in Southeast Asia is crowded and fast-moving. Enterprise agility is not just a competitive advantage—it is essential for survival. Banks that can rapidly launch new products, adapt to changing customer needs, and build digital ecosystems will stand out. Publicis Sapient’s work with leading institutions in the region demonstrates the power of combining strategy, customer experience, and technology to deliver impact at speed.
In Australia, the focus is on elevating customer experience while managing cost and risk. Lifecycle-led design is helping banks move beyond transactional relationships to empower consumers’ financial well-being. The region’s approach to innovation—such as the varied strategies around Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products—offers valuable lessons for banks across APAC.
One of the most compelling examples of digital transformation in APAC is the rapid reinvention of a leading Thai retail bank. Facing the need to connect all account types and give customers unified control, the bank recognized that a new app alone would not suffice. They needed a new business model, a digital-first mindset, and a robust technology foundation.
Publicis Sapient assembled a multidisciplinary team of technology, UX, creative, and strategy experts to work in agile sprints. The team:
The result? In just 12 weeks, the bank launched a new platform that enables rapid product development and delivers experiences customers love. With a three-year roadmap in place, the bank is now positioned to adapt quickly to market changes and meet ambitious cost-to-income targets.
Transformation in APAC is not limited to traditional banking. Publicis Sapient is helping clients reimagine their role in customers’ lives by building digital ecosystems that go beyond financial products. For example, by supporting a major Southeast Asian bank in launching a food delivery app, we helped them rewrite the rulebook on customer engagement and create new revenue streams.
Aging legacy core systems are a major barrier to innovation for many APAC banks. Publicis Sapient’s approach to core modernization—leveraging cloud-native platforms and proven accelerators—enables banks to:
Our partnerships with leading technology providers ensure that banks can migrate to modern cores with minimal risk and maximum business value.
Digital transformation is also a powerful driver of financial inclusion. By leveraging technology, banks can reach rural and underserved populations, offer affordable products, and enable instant, secure transactions. The success of government-led initiatives in the region demonstrates the potential for digital platforms to bring millions into the financial system—mobilizing resources and supporting economic growth.
With over 30 years of digital innovation experience, 100+ financial services clients, and a network of 40+ technology partners, Publicis Sapient brings unmatched expertise to APAC’s banking sector. Our customer-centric approach, proven methodologies, and deep regional knowledge make us the partner of choice for banks seeking to lead in the digital era.
Ready to accelerate your digital banking transformation? Our experts in Southeast Asia and Australasia are here to help you build the bank of the future—one that delivers for customers, drives growth, and advances financial inclusion across APAC.
Contact us today to start your transformation journey.