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Luxembourg Fuels SE Asia Fintech Inclusion
25 Feb
Summary
- A new fund, NextFin Asia, is launched to support financial inclusion in Southeast Asia.
- The Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program now offers direct investment opportunities.
- Collaboration between Luxembourg MFA and ADB drives fintech innovation in ASEAN.
The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) has announced a significant expansion of its Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program, marking a new era for financial inclusion in Southeast Asia. This evolution introduces the NextFin Asia fund, a dedicated investment vehicle launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA), and ADB Ventures, the investment arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
This third edition of Catapult SE Asia transitions from a pure acceleration program to a comprehensive platform that combines capital, expertise, and market access. Participating fintech startups will now benefit from direct investment opportunities through the NextFin Asia Fund, alongside tailored acceleration, mentorship, and institutional partnerships. The program aims to support founders in scaling their solutions faster and more sustainably.
The initiative will see key milestones in 2026, beginning with its official global launch and institutional engagement phase in Luxembourg in June. The program will culminate at the Singapore FinTech Festival in November, positioning it at the heart of the region's innovation ecosystem. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and innovative financial ecosystems.
Luxembourg's commitment to sustainable and inclusive finance is further solidified through this partnership. The country's track record in Official Development Assistance and its hosting of microfinance and impact investment vehicles provide a strong foundation. The program's success builds on supporting 115 fintechs from emerging markets, aiding them in scaling solutions for underbanked communities.
Senior officials expressed strong support for the initiative. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, highlighted the strategic use of public investment to mobilize private capital for tangible impact. Isabel Chatterton from ADB emphasized the goal of expanding access to finance for MSMEs and underserved communities. Alex Panican of LHoFT described the partnership as a "World first," uniquely combining a Development Bank with a Fintech Accelerator to drive social impact through investment.
