Wealthtech

Navigating 2024 Trends in Wealthtech and Wealth Management: A Southeast Asia Perspective

As we delve into the transformative landscape of WealthTech and Wealth Management, a keen focus on the geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements is essential for investors and industry players alike. Let’s explore the key trends shaping the WealthTech industry in 2024, with a special focus on Southeast Asia.

Geopolitical Dynamics

In the Global South, including in some countries in Southeast Asia, a notable divergence from Western practices is observed. Geopolitical escalations can pose challenges within supply chains, introducing complexity to investment strategies. Investors must navigate this evolving landscape with a strategic approach, considering the impact of global events on their portfolios.

Investor Evolution towards Demand for Independence

Investors increasingly favour autonomy and active strategies. The Southeast Asian landscape reflects a growing demand for unbiased guidance, paving the way for personalised advisory services beyond traditional institutions.

This trend aligns with the expanding influence of digital banking and fintech apps. These technological platforms serve as crucial access points for wealth features, facilitating increased savings and fostering the creation of wealth through tailored investment solutions. The rise of these digital tools becomes an integral component, harmonising with the overarching trend of empowering investors to take control of their financial strategies in the Southeast Asian landscape.

image via freepik

Hybrid Service Models and Embedded Wealth Solutions

Hybrid Service Models, combining human services and WealthTech, are gaining prominence. The industry is pivoting toward customer-centric approaches, placing emphasis on user experience design and empowering advisors. Service fees are shifting to reflect quality and time invested, ensuring personalised, holistic financial offerings for clients.

In addition we will see more wealth solutions being embedded in existing distribution channels such as digital banking and wealth management platforms.¹ Another trend I observe, e.g. in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, are newly branded platforms launched by traditional financial services providers to target the rapidly progressing affluent class of investors.

WealthTech Evolution and Financial Literacy

WealthTech applications are evolving rapidly, reshaping financial planning and literacy. These apps redefine client-advisor interactions, offering user-centric interfaces for comprehensive financial management. The focus is on holistic planning, providing personalised strategies to enhance overall financial well-being. This trend is only slowly emerging in the emerging economies in Southeast Asia, but are crucially needed for long-term wealth creation.

In addition to the aforementioned evolution, generative AI and intelligent automation are at the forefront. These emerging technologies are crucial for workflow optimization, enhancing efficiency, and elevating customer satisfaction. The synergy of generative AI and automation is reshaping wealth management, promising a more dynamic and responsive future.

Cryptocurrency Integration and Tokenization

Cryptocurrency integration and tokenization are key focal points in 2024. ETF approvals for Bitcoin are propelling mainstream adoption, necessitating guidance from traditional financial institutions. The ongoing trend of tokenisation is reshaping asset trading and management across various categories, revolutionising the finance industry.⁴

Southeast Asia, known for its openness to innovation, navigates these trends, acknowledging challenges but seizing opportunities. Some nations are advancing business-oriented cryptocurrency regulations, exemplified by Hong Kong, while other Southeast Asian countries are imposing constraints on cryptocurrency investments, underscoring the delicate balance in the region.⁵

Conclusion

As Southeast Asia positions itself in this dynamic landscape, staying attuned to these WealthTech trends will be crucial in 2024, and beyond. The region’s investors and industry professionals are poised to navigate the complexities of the WealthTech and Wealth Management sectors, ensuring a prosperous and informed future. The advantage of emerging markets is that they don’t hang on legacy brands or solutions because they are simply not available for the (mass) affluent. They are more open to try out new offerings. On the other hand, some countries are very strict and simply ban some innovative approaches including investing in cryptocurrencies.^6,7

The region’s investors and industry professionals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities, leveraging the wisdom distilled from diverse perspectives.

Featured image credit: Edited from freepik