Asia-Pacific (APAC) is at the epicenter of the Web3 and digital asset revolution. The region’s financial institutions are not only embracing blockchain, digital assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) at a remarkable pace, but are also navigating a uniquely complex regulatory and market landscape. As banks in APAC modernize their infrastructure and reimagine customer experiences, they face both immense opportunities and significant hurdles—ranging from legacy technology and talent shortages to evolving compliance requirements.
Publicis Sapient, in partnership with leading technology providers and regional banks, is helping APAC institutions accelerate their digital transformation journeys, ensuring they remain competitive and compliant in this new era of finance.
Banks across APAC are at different stages of digital maturity, but a common theme is the urgent need to modernize legacy systems. As highlighted by industry leaders, the region’s banks are investing heavily in upgrading their core infrastructure—not just to support new asset classes like cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities, but also to enable real-time data access, automation, and seamless integration with third-party fintechs.
However, modernization is not just about technology. There is a growing recognition that upskilling talent and fostering a culture of innovation are equally critical. Banks are increasingly focused on closing the skills gap, building agile teams, and embracing new ways of working—often in hybrid environments that blend remote and in-office collaboration.
APAC’s financial institutions are moving beyond traditional banking, embedding financial services into the daily lives of customers. This means delivering hyper-personalized experiences, leveraging data to anticipate needs, and integrating banking seamlessly into lifestyle transactions. The rise of platform-based models—where banks offer not just financial products but also adjacent services like food delivery or travel—reflects a broader shift towards ecosystem thinking.
Automation and simplification are top priorities for APAC banks seeking to boost productivity and respond to the demands of a digital-first world. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models, and banks are now leveraging cloud platforms and collaboration tools to support both operational efficiency and customer engagement. The ability to rapidly launch new services, automate routine processes, and harness data for smarter decision-making is becoming a key differentiator.
While APAC is a hotbed of innovation, it is also characterized by a patchwork of regulatory regimes. Each market—whether Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, or emerging economies in Southeast Asia—has its own approach to digital assets, data privacy, and financial supervision. This creates both opportunities for first movers and challenges for banks seeking to scale Web3 initiatives across borders.
Change management is a recurring challenge. From the C-suite to front-line staff, banks must adapt to new compliance requirements, rethink risk management, and ensure that digital asset offerings meet both local and international standards. Regulatory clarity is improving, but banks must remain agile, engaging with regulators and industry bodies to shape the future of digital finance in the region.
A standout example of APAC innovation is the transformation journey of a leading Thai bank, which launched a platform-as-a-service venture to serve both its own customers and other banks in the region. By modernizing its core banking architecture, deploying cloud-native platforms, and investing in accelerators, the bank was able to rapidly develop and launch new digital products—including blockchain-based loyalty programs and embedded financial services. This approach not only redefined what it means to be a bank in Southeast Asia, but also demonstrated the power of ecosystem partnerships and agile delivery.
Publicis Sapient brings deep expertise in digital business transformation, core modernization, and regulatory strategy. Our approach for APAC banks includes:
By partnering with leading technology providers and leveraging our global experience, we help APAC banks move from experimentation to scaled implementation—unlocking new sources of growth, efficiency, and customer value.
Web3 and digital assets are reshaping the financial landscape in APAC. Banks that embrace modernization, invest in talent, and engage proactively with regulators will be best positioned to lead in this new era. Publicis Sapient stands ready to help APAC institutions navigate complexity, accelerate transformation, and build the future of financial services.
Contact us to start your Web3 journey in APAC.
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