Cash-starved small businesses and microfinance institutions in Myanmar are increasingly relying on a United Nations initiative to make ends meet. But results are mixed, showing there is still a long way to go to revive the industry.

The country’s lost decade appears to be assured: the military coup hit the financial system and the economy – and it is scaring away many investors.

Fresh from the success of listing Allo Bank in Jakarta, Indonesian billionaire Chairul Tanjung speaks to Asiamoney about his vision for the digital lender, and how to keep an eye out for the next big thing.

Tony Fernandes made his fortune after launching an airline in Malaysia 21 years ago. But as Covid continues to batter AirAsia, he’s hoping to remake his fortune with a new, fintech-based super app – and transform Asean banking much as he did with the aviation industry.

ABA Bank has helped to transform Cambodia’s banking sector through digitalization and a razor-sharp focus on financial inclusion – efforts that are paying off.

Indonesia is spawning new startups by the day, many of which are propelling financial inclusion. Asiamoney speaks to the founders of some thriving platforms that bring together technology and finance to make a difference.

To traditional bankers, Jakarta’s gaming salons might seem unlikely places to launch a hot fintech startup. But for veteran gamer Vincent Iswaratioso, battling virtual bad guys in World of Warcraft has proved the perfect training ground for his universal Dana e-wallet.

Cambodia’s government, central bank and financial institutions rose to the challenge of mitigating the impact of the pandemic, with some success. There is more work to be done – but a growing focus on innovation and digitalization could herald a new beginning.

Indonesia’s ambitions of being Asia’s Islamic finance hub have long been hobbled by lack of infrastructure and support. But can a recent change in government attitude spur the industry?