How APAC Fintech Events Are Revolutionizing Regional Banking in 2025

The financial services industry is one of the primary sectors, providing the free flow of capital and liquidity in the Indonesian financial marketplace. The financial services sector consists of banking, mortgages, payment services, tax preparation and planning, credit cards, accounting, investing and others. Over the years digital transformation in financial service has rapidly changed across the Asia-Pacific region, with banks adopting real-time payments, cloud-native infrastructure, and AI-driven decision systems.

One of the key drivers in this transformation in 2025 is the increasing number of finance and fintech events in APAC that are allowing financial institutions to collaborate, and incorporate emerging solutions to their operational models.

Why Fintech Events are Essential for Banking Sector

Fintech events play a crucial role in aligning regional banking priorities with global financial trends. Banks attending a fintech event are exposed to current topics such as API-based open banking, digital identity frameworks, and payment interoperability standards.

Here are some of the key factors why financial and fintech events are essential for banking sector:

• Driving Digital Transformation:

These events bring together banks, fintechs, regulators, and technology providers to discuss and accelerate digital transformation, a necessity as customer expectations shift toward seamless, mobile-first experiences.

• Knowledge Exchange and Innovation:

Conferences serve as platforms for sharing the latest trends, regulatory updates, and technological advancements. Attendees gain insights into AI, automation, cybersecurity, and digital payments, helping banks stay competitive and future-ready.

• Networking and Strategic Partnerships:

With hundreds of business and technology leaders present, events like WFIS foster collaborations between banks, fintech startups, investors, and regulators. This leads to new business models, pilot projects, and investment opportunities.

• Promoting Financial Inclusion:

In regions like Southeast Asia, where many are newly banked or unbanked, these events emphasize financial inclusion, digital banking, and scalable solutions to reach underserved populations. 

• Regulatory Collaboration:

Bringing together policymakers and industry leaders, these conferences help shape regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, ensuring innovation happens within a compliant and secure environment.

• Showcasing Solutions and Best Practices:

Live demonstrations, panel discussions, and case studies allow banks to evaluate new technologies, learn from successful deployments, and benchmark against industry leaders.

• Responding to Regional Challenges:

Events address unique APAC challenges—such as high mobile penetration, rapid fintech adoption, and the need for secure, interoperable systems—by providing practical, scalable innovations.

According to data from industry reports published in Q1 2025, financial institutions in Southeast Asia have increased their budget allocation for technology adoption by more than 20% year-over-year, and a significant part of this growth is influenced by participation in APAC banking events. Such events help banks understand where the sector is moving, what customers expect, and how competitors are modernizing. Additionally, regulators often use these gatherings to communicate policy developments and compliance mandates.

Overview of Key APAC Fintech and Banking Conferences in 2025 

World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) 2025 – Indonesia

• When: November 25–26, 2025
• Where: Sheraton Grand Jakarta, Gandaria, Indonesia
• Why Attend: Indonesia’s leading FSI professionals conference, uniting 600+ FSI experts, C-level executives, and regulators. Focuses on digital banking, E-KYC, cybersecurity, tech modernization and more. Ideal for knowledge sharing, exploring solutions, and forming partnerships in Indonesia’s fast-evolving market.

Money20/20 Asia 2025

• When: April 22–24, 2025
• Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand
• Why Attend: One of the world’s largest fintech events, featuring 4,000+ decision-makers from banking, payments, insurtech, and crypto. Topics include cross-border payments, AI, digital banking, and regulatory trends. Renowned for high-profile keynotes, deep-dive panels, and extensive networking opportunities.

ASEAN Banking and Finance Summit (ABFS) 2025

• When: February 25, 2025
• Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Why Attend: The region’s flagship ASEAN banking summit, gathering senior bankers, regulators, and tech leaders. Focuses on economic integration, sustainable finance, digital banking, talent, and technology. Key for those interested in ASEAN’s economic growth and future-proofing financial institutions.

World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) 2025 – Philippines

• When: September 23–24, 2025
• Where: Manila Marriott Hotel, Philippines
• Why Attend: The premier APAC banking event, gathering 600+ FSI and technology leaders. Focuses on digital transformation, fintech innovation, cybersecurity, tech innovation and more. Offers actionable insights, strategic networking, and a platform for shaping the Philippines’ financial future.

Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025

• When: April 6–9, 2025
• Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
• Why Attend: Asia’s largest Web3 and DeFi event, attracting 80,000+ attendees. Explores blockchain, crypto, and decentralized finance innovations, with global industry leaders and investors.

Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit – Malaysia

• When: June 2025 (exact dates TBA)
• Where: Malaysia
• Why Attend: Focuses on digital disruption, compliance, risk management, and fintech trends in one of APAC’s fastest-growing markets.

Temenos Regional Forum Asia Pacific 2025

• When: June 4–5, 2025
• Where: Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines
• Why Attend: Exclusive gathering for 250+ C-level executives. Deep dives into AI, cloud, core banking innovation, and next-gen digital solutions. Features product insights, roundtables, and a Gala Dinner for high-level networking.

These conferences are the cornerstone events for anyone in APAC’s banking and fintech sector, offering unmatched access to industry leaders, innovation showcases, and strategic partnership opportunities.

World Financial Innovation Series 2025 – Indonesia: Comprehensive Overview

The World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) 2025 – Indonesia is the country’s leading financial technology summit, returning for its 7th edition on November 25–26, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Jakarta, Gandaria. This annual event is a cornerstone for Indonesia’s financial sector, uniting over 600 FSI leaders, C-suite executives, decision-makers, and technology innovators from the nation’s largest banks, insurance firms, and microfinance institutions.

Event Theme & Purpose

• Theme: Expanding Financial Innovation In Indonesia
• Objective: To drive Indonesia’s financial sector forward by showcasing cutting-edge fintech solutions, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration between traditional institutions and tech disruptors.

Key Features

• Product Showcases: Leading companies demonstrate the latest in fintech, digital banking, AI, and analytics.
• Curated Networking: Includes peer-to-peer sessions, B2B meetings, and elite networking huddles to foster partnerships and exchange ideas.
• Awards & Gala Night: Celebrates innovation and leadership in Indonesia’s financial services industry.
• Financial Inclusion Focus: Dedicated sessions on expanding access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked, with an emphasis on mobile banking and microfinance solutions.

What Banks and Fintechs Can Expect in Asian Banking Summits 

Asian banking summits provide a unique platform for banks and fintechs to explore industry trends, network, and drive business growth.

• Agendas packed with sessions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, payments, and financial inclusion.
• Opportunities for structured networking, B2B meetings, and strategic partnership building.
• Direct engagement with regulators for insights on compliance and evolving policies.
• Showcases and demos of cutting-edge digital banking and fintech solutions.
• Platforms to explore new business models, pilot projects, and regional expansion strategies.

Conclusion

Fintech events across the Asia-Pacific region in 2025 are becoming key enablers of digital change for regional banking institutions. From improving operational efficiency to enabling new financial products, the value of these events is seen across multiple fronts. The World Financial Innovation Series 2025 Indonesia is a prime example of how a focused FSI conference can bring together diverse financial players to explore real solutions to current challenges.