• Deng Chao, CEO, HashKey
• Claudia Kolonas, Founder, Pluang
• Gavin Guo, CFO, YUP
• Pratyush Prasanna, Group CEO, Flip
• Dino Setiawan, CEO, AwanTunai
• Dmitry Levit, Founder & General Partner, Cento Ventures (Moderator)

Despite the ongoing funding drought, fintech startups remained a priority, attracting capital due to their adaptability and potential for high returns. This focus has enabled fintech to remain Southeast Asia’s leading vertical, with an upward trajectory that hints at stronger market resilience. And, wealth tech is leading the charge. In the first nine months of 2024, wealth tech claimed the top spot within fintech, closing 41 deals and outpacing traditional fintech categories like lending and e-payments.

However, the era of easy money is over as investors exercise restraint and focus on companies that are either already profitable or have a clear path to profitability. The shift in approach has prompted players to rework monetisation strategies for long-term growth.