Catapult 2025: Boosting ASEAN Financial Inclusion through Luxembourg LHoFT-ADB Partnership

The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are set to launch the second edition of their groundbreaking initiative, Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia. This program, backed by the Luxembourg Government, aims to accelerate financial inclusion across the ASEAN region through innovative fintech solutions.

Program Highlights:

The 2025 edition will bring together 15 carefully selected startups for intensive sessions in two locations:

- Manila: April 7–11, 2025

- Luxembourg: June 16–20, 2025

Participants will benefit from mentorship, workshops, and access to global networks, with all expenses covered, including travel and accommodation.

Focus Areas:

Catapult targets fintechs addressing financial access barriers in ten ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Key sectors include:

- AgriTech

- InsurTech

- Digital Payments

- Green Finance

- Microfinance

Luxembourg's Strategic Role:

Luxembourg continues to solidify its position as a global sustainable finance hub, allocating 1% of its Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance. The LHoFT Foundation, a public-private partnership, leverages Luxembourg's expertise in microfinance and fintech to create a bridge between ASEAN and European markets.

ADB's Development Focus:

The Asian Development Bank brings its extensive experience in poverty reduction and inclusive growth to the partnership. This collaboration is crucial in a region where 263 million people live on less than $1.90 daily. The initiative aims to address gaps in digital financial services infrastructure, consumer protection, and regulatory frameworks.

Impact and Eligibility:

The success of the inaugural 2024 cohort, which saw startups like Farmvocacy from the Philippines expand their regional impact, has set a promising precedent. For the 2025 program, eligible companies must:

1. Operate in ASEAN markets

2. Focus on financial inclusion (from MVP to Series B stage)

3. Submit applications by February 23, 2025

This collaboration between LHoFT and ADB exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive fintech innovation and address financial exclusion in emerging markets. By connecting ASEAN fintechs with Luxembourg's robust financial ecosystem, Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia is poised to catalyze transformative solutions in mobile banking, AI-driven microloans, and other innovative financial services for underserved communities.

As the program enters its second year, it stands as a testament to the power of global cooperation in tackling financial inclusion challenges and fostering sustainable economic growth across Southeast Asia.
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