Kuala Lumpur – Southeast Asia’s fintech industry is entering a defining chapter, and this year the region will celebrate its trailblazers at the Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards 2025. Set to take place on 5 August at The Estate on Federal Hill, the event promises to be a landmark gathering of the region’s most influential entrepreneurs, regulators, and investors.
The awards are positioned not only as a recognition of excellence but also as a statement of intent. Organisers have emphasised that there are no nomination fees or pay-to-participate requirements, ensuring that recognition is grounded in merit rather than marketing. This approach has created a platform for both established leaders and early-stage founders whose contributions might otherwise remain unnoticed.
This year’s edition coincides with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, reinforcing the country’s commitment to digital transformation and regional economic integration. By hosting the awards in Kuala Lumpur, organisers aim to highlight Malaysia’s pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s digital finance agenda. The event also forms the official gala of MyFintech Week 2025, a national fintech showcase co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, and MDEC.
The selection process reflects both rigour and inclusivity. Public nominations formed the initial pool of candidates, followed by detailed evaluation from Fintech News Network and EY. From this process emerged the “Emerging 35” and the “Frontier 15,” representing the region’s most promising and established innovators.
Among the finalists are well-known regional names such as Indonesia’s Xendit and DANA, alongside emerging players in insurance, lending, and blockchain infrastructure. The judging panel includes industry leaders such as Coen Jonker of Tyme Group, Amrish Rau of Pine Labs, and senior executives from AWS, Ant International, EY, and the Asia Fintech Alliance. Their collective expertise ensures that recognition is both credible and reflective of the region’s priorities.
Beyond the awards themselves, the evening promises meaningful engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect during networking sessions, hear opening remarks from senior figures at Bank Negara Malaysia and AWS, and witness the presentation of the Emerging 35 and Frontier 15. The winners will also gain year-long visibility through editorial features, interviews, and a dedicated Fintech Frontiers 50 booklet.
The Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards thus arrive at a critical time for ASEAN, sending a clear message that the region’s fintech ecosystem is not only thriving but also maturing into a global force. By celebrating innovation and substance, the event underscores the role of digital finance in advancing integration and inclusion across Southeast Asia.
