Asia Pacific (APAC) is at the forefront of digital banking transformation, with its diverse economies, rapidly growing middle class, and a digital-first population creating a unique landscape for financial services innovation. From the bustling fintech hubs of Southeast Asia to the mature markets of Australasia, the region is witnessing a seismic shift in how banks and insurers engage customers, modernize operations, and drive growth.
A defining feature of the APAC region, particularly in Southeast Asia, is the significant proportion of unbanked and underbanked populations. Three out of four people in Southeast Asia lack sufficient access to financial services, presenting both a challenge and a massive opportunity. Digital banking is emerging as the solution to bridge this gap, with mobile-first experiences and accessible digital offerings enabling financial institutions to reach new customer segments at scale. The rapid adoption of smartphones and the rise of digital challenger banks are reshaping expectations, making seamless, intuitive digital experiences the new standard.
In Australasia, the focus is evolving beyond basic banking to life-integrated finance—empowering consumers with personalized, value-added services that support holistic financial well-being. Here, established banks are challenged to deliver experiences that go beyond transactions, addressing the broader needs of their customers.
Across APAC, many incumbent banks and insurers are constrained by aging core systems that stifle innovation and slow the pace of change. Modernizing these legacy platforms is essential to unlocking agility, enabling real-time data insights, and delivering the personalized experiences today’s customers demand. Cloud-native architectures and AI-driven solutions are increasingly being adopted to future-proof operations and accelerate digital transformation. Publicis Sapient’s expertise in core modernization and cloud migration is helping APAC institutions ditch legacy constraints and build the resilient, scalable foundations needed for the future.
The competitive landscape in APAC is intensifying as digital-first entrants and fintechs redefine what “good” looks like in financial services. These challengers are raising the bar for customer experience, forcing incumbents to rethink their operating models, embrace enterprise agility, and innovate at speed. In this environment, delivering consistent, personalized, and frictionless experiences across all touchpoints is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for survival and growth.
Publicis Sapient partners with leading banks and insurers across Southeast Asia and Australasia to deliver transformative customer experiences and business outcomes. Our approach combines deep regional expertise with proven global methodologies, helping clients:
The future belongs to those who put the customer at the center of everything they do. In APAC, this means:
With over 30 years of digital innovation experience and a track record of delivering industry firsts, Publicis Sapient is uniquely positioned to help APAC financial institutions lead the charge. Our blend of strategy, design, technology, and sector expertise ensures that transformation delivers measurable value—now and in the future.
Ready to transform your customer experience and unlock new growth in Asia Pacific? Connect with our regional experts to start your journey today.