Southeast Asia’s fintech sector has reached a crucial stage of maturity, and this year, it’s time to honour the people leading that progress.
On 5 August 2025, many of the region’s most impactful fintech founders will gather at the Estate on Federal Hill, Kuala Lumpur, for the Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards. What is that, you ask?
Well, it is going to be a night dedicated to celebrating the builders shaping the future of finance across ASEAN. More than just a ceremony to celebrate those helping to shape the future of fintech in this region, the event also sends a clear signal that the region’s digital economy is entering a new phase.
But is it going to be just like any other awards? Not entirely.
Today, industry recognition often feels commercialised. From the beginning, we created this awards programme to be different. There are no nomination fees or pay-to-participate requirements. Every finalist attends as our guest because we believe in recognising excellence on its own merit.
Through this approach, we give a platform to early-stage founders and teams who might otherwise go unnoticed. It also helps ensure the final list of winners reflects what really matters. Substance, and not just about scale.
We thank our generous partners and sponsors (AWS, PayNet, Thredd, and Boost) for making this year’s awards possible. Their commitment to advancing fintech across Southeast Asia helps ensure this initiative remains rooted in merit, not marketing.
Why Kuala Lumpur, and Why Now
There’s a strong intention behind hosting the awards in Malaysia. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia plays a leading role this year and the years to come in shaping regional priorities, with digital transformation being one of them.
The Fintech Frontiers 50 fits neatly into that vision. By bringing together the region’s entrepreneurs, regulators, and investors, the event highlights how digital finance can help advance integration and inclusion across Southeast Asia.
The awards are also set to take place as part of MyFintech Week 2025, Malaysia’s national fintech event co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, MDEC, and several others. Held from 4 to 7 August, the week draws industry leaders from across the region.
Scheduled as the official gala of MyFW, the Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards offers a rare opportunity for connection, conversation, and regional recognition. We want to bring people together at the perfect time, just when everyone’s already in town.
Some of the region’s most recognised fintech names will also be in the room. Among the finalists are Indonesia’s Xendit and DANA, just ot name a few. Alongside them will be some familiar (and maybe some not-so-familiar) names working on insurance, lending, and blockchain infrastructure, among others.
Our Selection Process
Selection is based on a multi-layered process. Public nominations have helped surface names from across the region. From there, the Emerging 35 are selected by analysts from Fintech News Network and EY, while the Frontier 15 (representing the crème de la crème) are chosen by a panel of respected leaders.
Sounds like a bit of work, but this multi-stage review ensures that each nominated name on the list is there for a good reason.
This year’s judging panel includes some of the region’s most respected fintech leaders. Names of individuals who have not only built category-defining companies but also understand what it takes to scale innovation across ASEAN.
Among them are Coen Jonker, Founder and Chairman of Tyme Group, and Amrish Rau, CEO of Pine Labs, both of whom are known for transforming how financial services are delivered in emerging markets.
They’re joined by senior executives including Jeff Johnson, Managing Director for ASEAN at AWS, Carrie Suen, Head of Global Affairs at Ant International, and Ravi Kittane, Partner at EY.
Rounding out the panel are Jaclyn Tsai, Chairperson of the Asia Fintech Alliance, and Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Network.
An Evening of Ideas and Recognition
The awards night will take place at The Estate on Federal Hill, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most classy venues.
The format of the evening will be simple. The Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards will begin with drinks and networking, followed by welcome remarks from representatives of Bank Negara Malaysia, AWS, and Fintech News Network. The main programme includes the presentation of both the Emerging 35 and Frontier 15, concluding with a group photo to commemorate the 2025 cohort.
Winners don’t just walk away with a trophy. As a token of appreciation, they will gain visibility through the Fintech Frontiers 50 Booklet and editorial features across the Fintech News Network’s platforms, which reach a targeted audience of over half a million fintech professionals and decision-makers across Asia.
They will also receive priority access for interviews, expert commentary, and media features throughout the year, supporting a longer-term platform for growth and influence.
Join us, and we hope to see you there.
Head over to our Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards page and register your seat today.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia based on images by EyeEm via Freepik.
