At the Asian Financial Forum 2025 in Hong Kong, FinVolution Group underscored its dedication to advancing financial inclusion through innovative credit technology and strategic alliances, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for equitable access to finance in underserved markets.
Dr. Ming Gu, Senior Vice President of FinVolution, shared insights into how fintech innovation is reshaping credit access for marginalized populations in Southeast Asia, particularly for young workers and small business owners often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Fintech as a Bridge to Financial Empowerment
During a workshop on Southeast Asia’s fintech future, Dr. Gu emphasized FinVolution’s mission to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities using advanced credit technology. The company’s focus on grassroots demographics—including young professionals and micro-entrepreneurs—has enabled it to serve over 6 million borrowers and facilitate loans exceeding US$3 billion in markets outside China as of Q3 2024.
“Fintech is opening new avenues for underserved populations to secure credit and financial support, enabling them to invest in education, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth,” Dr. Gu stated.
AI-Driven Credit Assessment for Inclusion
FinVolution’s AI-powered tools play a pivotal role in enabling financial institutions to evaluate creditworthiness for borrowers lacking traditional credit histories. By leveraging alternative data and machine learning, the company helps mitigate risks while expanding access to capital for underserved segments.
Southeast Asia: A Fintech Frontier
Dr. Gu highlighted Southeast Asia’s potential as a key growth market, driven by its youthful population, rapid e-commerce adoption, and credit-driven consumption trends.
“Few regions globally combine these factors, positioning Southeast Asia as a rising fintech powerhouse,” he noted. “Digital lending and e-commerce growth are inherently intertwined.”
However, Dr. Gu cautioned that per capita GDP remains the primary driver of financial inclusion and literacy. While fintech tools can accelerate progress, he emphasized that economic development remains foundational to sustainable inclusion.
Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which aims for 5%+ annual GDP growth over two decades, exemplifies this synergy. The initiative underscores the country’s commitment to financial inclusion and tech-driven development.
“Indonesia is poised to become a regional leader in the next 5–10 years,” Dr. Gu added. “We are highly optimistic about Southeast Asia’s trajectory.”
Collaborating for a Resilient Financial Ecosystem
Despite opportunities, challenges such as sparse credit histories and rising fraud risks persist. FinVolution addresses these through proprietary risk management systems and anti-fraud technologies, ensuring secure and scalable lending.
Dr. Gu stressed the importance of collaboration with regulators and financial institutions to foster a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem. FinVolution adheres to strict regulatory standards, securing licenses and aligning with local laws—a move that coincides with strengthening regulatory frameworks across Southeast Asia.
“A symbiotic relationship between regulators and fintechs is essential for Southeast Asia to emerge as a global fintech hub,” Dr. Gu concluded.
