New report shows credit access improves financial health outcomes for majority of approximately 6,500 Financial Services Provider (FSP) customers across Southeast Asia

FSPs urged to prioritise and adopt impact practices given strong link to customer outcomes and satisfaction

Significant untapped Southeast Asian market for holistic services beyond credit such as business-related services, insurance, and savings

Cost and risk reduction solutions, and innovation, have proven effective in enabling FSPs to achieve both impact and commercial viability

Credit access has improved the quality of life for nearly nine in 10 (89 percent) FSP customers in Southeast Asia. About 8 in 10 benefited from income increases (78 percent), improved ability to face major expenses (76 percent), and increased confidence in themselves and their abilities (80 percent). Most customers reported improved financial agency – 86 percent had improved in their ability to achieve financial goals and 58 percent had improved financial decision-making abilities.

These are key findings from “Financial Inclusion in Post-COVID Southeast Asia: Accelerating Impact Beyond Access”, the first-ever impact-focused financial inclusion report in the region developed by CIIP, a non-profit established by Temasek Trust, in partnership with UNCDF and Helicap, supported by 60 Decibels.

With contributions from 60 organisations, including industry associations, investors, FSPs and their approximately 6,500 customers across five countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, The Philippines, and Vietnam), the report goes beyond access to financial services, offering insights into the impact of access to credit on FSP customers’ business and livelihoods, quality of life and household well-being, and other financial health outcomes such as resilience and agency.