Luxembourg’s financial technology sector is deepening its commitment to financial inclusion in Southeast Asia. The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) announced today a major expansion of its Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program with the launch of NextFin Asia, a dedicated investment fund. This evolution marks a shift from solely accelerating fintech startups to providing direct financial backing, aiming to amplify their impact across the region.
The initiative, a partnership between the LHoFT, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, seeks to address critical gaps in access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and underserved populations throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The program’s focus on Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia is designed to foster scalable fintech solutions that promote financial inclusion.
NextFin Asia will provide crucial capital to selected startups, complementing the existing acceleration program which offers mentorship, strategic guidance, and connections to key industry players. This blended approach—combining expertise with investment—is intended to accelerate growth and sustainability for fintechs tackling development challenges in Southeast Asia. The program’s third edition, dubbed “Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0,” builds on the success of the first two cohorts, which have supported 115 fintechs across Africa and Asia, according to the LHoFT.
A Recent Phase for Luxembourg-ASEAN Fintech Collaboration
The creation of NextFin Asia signifies a deepening of collaboration between Luxembourg and ASEAN nations in the realm of financial technology. The Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, alongside ADB Ventures – the venture capital arm of the Asian Development Bank – are key partners in this endeavor. This partnership aims to mobilize capital for high-impact financial inclusion initiatives, leveraging Luxembourg’s established position in sustainable finance and impact investing.
According to a recent announcement, the fund will support fintechs from the pre-seed stage through Series A funding rounds. This comprehensive support system is designed to address the funding gaps often faced by early-stage startups in the region, enabling them to scale their operations and reach a wider audience.
Program Timeline and Key Dates
The Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 program will unfold in two key phases. An institutional launch event is scheduled for June 2026 in Luxembourg, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing. This will be followed by increased visibility at the Singapore FinTech Festival in November 2026, a major regional event that attracts fintech leaders and investors from around the world. These events underscore the program’s ambition to position itself at the intersection of global financial hubs and the dynamic fintech ecosystem of Southeast Asia.
The program’s structure is built around three core pillars: Impact, Scaling, and Funding. Participants will benefit from a tailored experience designed to enhance their skills, deepen their understanding of regulatory frameworks, and build meaningful connections within the financial services industry. The focus on impact reflects a commitment to creating positive social and economic change through financial inclusion.
ADB’s Role in Catalyzing Fintech Innovation
For the Asian Development Bank, the partnership represents a strategic move to mobilize catalytic capital for technological solutions that address structural challenges in access to finance. ADB Ventures’ involvement complements the bank’s traditional development instruments by providing targeted investments in startups with the potential for regional deployment. This approach aims to unlock innovation and drive sustainable economic growth across Southeast Asia.
Luxembourg, meanwhile, is leveraging its established expertise in sustainable finance and impact investing. The Grand Duchy allocates 1% of its gross national income to official development assistance and hosts a significant portion of global microfinance and impact investment vehicles. Catapult SE Asia builds on this foundation, utilizing the Luxembourg financial ecosystem as a catalyst for scaling innovations originating in Asia.
The LHoFT intends to more closely align acceleration, funding, and measurable impact with NextFin Asia. Application details for the 2026 cohort will be released at a later date, but the program’s overarching goal remains clear: to establish Catapult SE Asia as a cornerstone of Luxembourg-ASEAN cooperation in inclusive fintech. The program aims to support fintechs dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, amplifying their impact on local communities and fostering a more equitable financial landscape across Southeast Asia.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about financial technology and investment programs. It is not financial advice, and readers should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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