The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region stands at the forefront of digital banking innovation, with its financial institutions rapidly embracing the transformative potential of Web3 technologies, digital assets, and blockchain-based services. As banks across APAC navigate this new frontier, they are not only redefining their operating models and customer experiences but also setting global benchmarks for modernization and innovation. This page explores how APAC banks are approaching Web3 adoption, digital asset custody, and blockchain services—highlighting the unique regulatory, cultural, and technological factors shaping the market, and drawing on Publicis Sapient’s experience supporting clients across the region.
APAC’s financial services landscape is characterized by its diversity, dynamism, and appetite for innovation. Regional leaders consistently cite the rapid pace of change and the willingness of both incumbents and challengers to experiment with new technologies. Banks in markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Thailand are not only modernizing legacy infrastructure but also embedding digital finance into the daily lives of consumers and businesses.
Key trends driving this transformation include:
Web3 represents a paradigm shift—ushering in decentralized, user-owned, and trustless financial services powered by blockchain. For APAC banks, this means:
A regional leader at a recent banking expo noted, “Web3 is a long-term evolution and revolution. It’s about migrating from Web2 to Web3 infrastructure, giving individuals control over their data and identity, and building new ways to interact—driven by blockchain and wallet technology.”
While the opportunities are immense, APAC banks face distinct challenges on their Web3 journeys:
A standout example from the region is the launch of SCB Tech X, a platform-as-a-service venture by Siam Commercial Bank in Thailand. Rather than simply layering new technology onto old structures, SCB rethought what it means to be a bank—building an ecosystem of digital services, from food delivery to blockchain-based loyalty, that meet customers where they are. This approach exemplifies how APAC banks are leveraging Web3 and digital assets to create value beyond traditional financial products.
Similarly, leading exchanges and infrastructure providers in the region are rolling out institutional-grade crypto custody and staking services, enabling banks to offer secure access to digital assets within trusted regulatory frameworks. These dual-track strategies—supporting both traditional and Web3-native assets—allow banks to serve a broad spectrum of client needs while maintaining compliance and operational resilience.
Publicis Sapient partners with APAC banks to navigate the complexities of Web3 and digital asset adoption. Our approach includes:
Our regional experience, combined with a global perspective, enables us to help APAC banks move from experimentation to scaled implementation—modernizing core systems, building agile teams, and fostering a culture of innovation.
As APAC banks continue their Web3 and digital asset journeys, success will depend on:
The region’s unique blend of regulatory diversity, technological ambition, and cultural openness to change positions APAC as a global leader in the next era of banking. Publicis Sapient stands ready to support banks across the region as they unlock new sources of growth, efficiency, and customer value in the era of Web3.
Ready to explore the next frontier?
Connect with Publicis Sapient to discover how we can help your institution experiment, implement, and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of Web3 and digital assets.
Publicis Sapient: Building the future of financial services, together.