By Sharan Kaur Phillora
In the first half of 2024, the Asia-Pacific (ASPAC) region witnessed significant activity in the fintech sector, with Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong accounting for half of the top ten fintech deals, according to a report by KPMG. Despite a general downturn in fintech investments across the region, these areas have maintained a strong presence in the market.
Here’s what we know:
The ASPAC region experienced a decline in fintech investment, dropping from $4.6 billion in the second half of 2023 to $3.7 billion in the first half of 2024. This decline occurred even as the number of deals increased slightly from 406 to 438. China’s fintech investment was notably subdued, totaling $624 million in the first half of 2024, compared to $754.6 million in the latter half of 2023. Nonetheless, the Chinese government continues to prioritize financial services innovation, focusing on areas such as technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance.
Hong Kong, alongside the Chinese Mainland, has been pivotal in driving significant fintech deals in the region. This is indicative of the strategic importance these areas hold in the ASPAC fintech landscape. The focus on fintech innovation in China and Hong Kong is further highlighted by the emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, which are increasingly being integrated into financial services to enhance operational efficiency.
Globally, the fintech sector faced challenges due to geopolitical uncertainties and high interest rates, leading to a decline in total investments from $62.3 billion in H2 2023 to $51.9 billion in H1 2024. Despite this, the ASPAC region showed resilience with an increase in deal volumes, suggesting a potential for recovery and growth in the latter half of the year.
The report highlights the ongoing evolution of the fintech landscape in ASPAC, with Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong playing crucial roles in shaping the future of financial technology in the region. As the market adapts to new challenges, these areas are likely to continue leading in innovation and investment.
About the author
Sharan Kaur Phillora’s thirst for knowledge has led her to study many different subjects, including NFTs and Blockchain technology – two emerging technologies that will change how we interact with each other in the future. When she isn’t exploring a new idea or concept, she enjoys reading literary masterpieces.