Terry KS The Global Financial Health Coalition, launched at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, aims to connect individuals and small businesses to essential financial tools while building trust and resilience in the digital economy. With key industry leaders involved, the coalition seeks to empower underserved communities across the globe, from Southeast Asia to Africa and Latin America.
MALAYSIA, 25 NOVEMBER 2025 – As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for accessible and secure financial tools has never been more urgent. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, while 79% of adults worldwide now have a bank account, 2.1 billion people remain underbanked or unbanked. Even for those who have access to formal financial systems, financial resilience remains a distant goal. Despite the growing availability of digital tools, millions are still excluded from the benefits of financial empowerment.
Digital transformation has been pivotal in expanding access to financial services. Over 85% of adults in low- and middle-income countries now own a mobile phone, with 75% of those being smartphones. This widespread connectivity has fueled the demand for simple, secure banking and payment experiences that are critical to building long-term financial stability.
However, despite this increased access, many individuals, particularly in low-income economies, remain vulnerable. A recent study by the World Bank found that only half of adults in these regions can confidently cover emergency expenses, such as job loss or medical emergencies. This highlights a critical gap—while access to financial tools is improving, the broader concept of financial health remains out of reach for many. According to Mastercard’s latest white paper, consumers’ lack of awareness and trust is a significant barrier to the consistent use of financial services.
Addressing this gap is at the heart of the Global Financial Health Coalition, launched at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The coalition brings together a diverse range of financial institutions, NGOs, telecom companies, and payment service providers to create an ecosystem focused on advancing both access to financial tools and users’ ability to effectively navigate them.
The coalition includes key industry players such as DANA, GCash, TrueMoney, MTN Group Fintech, and Daviplata, all committed to creating solutions that address both local needs and global challenges. The coalition is guided by three core principles: ensuring access to the right financial tools, protecting consumers through technology, and empowering individuals on their journey toward financial well-being.
“Financial inclusion is not just about access; it’s about empowerment,” said Bunita Sawhney, Mastercard’s spokesperson. “Our goal is to build an environment where innovation serves to protect users, while providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
The coalition’s approach seeks to equip millions of people and micro-businesses with the necessary tools to participate in the digital economy with confidence. By encouraging healthy financial behaviors, building resilience, and improving access to financial services, the initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive digital economy.
In Southeast Asia, wallet providers are already connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with financial tools that enable them to grow. In Africa and Latin America, cross-sector partnerships are expanding financial access, further driving innovation and resilience in these regions.
“We believe that technology is the bridge that connects aspiration to opportunity,” said Vince Iswara, CEO and co-founder of DANA Indonesia. “Through our participation in this coalition, we aim to strengthen MSMEs and create shared prosperity across Southeast Asia.”
Other coalition members, like GCash and TrueMoney, are also making strides in driving financial empowerment, especially for underserved communities. “Through our lending arm, Fuse Financing Inc., we’ve democratized credit access in the Philippines, helping millions of unbanked and underserved Filipinos,” shared Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.
With diverse voices and insights from global leaders, the coalition is shaping a future where financial inclusion goes beyond access, creating a foundation for long-term economic growth. By fostering responsible innovation and ensuring that all individuals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances, the Global Financial Health Coalition is reimagining what’s possible for the digital economy.