Fintech accelerator the LHoFT Foundation has joined forces with the Asian Development Bank to launch NextFin Asia, a fund mobilising capital for high-impact financial inclusion projects.
Launched on Monday, NextFin Asia is a newly established dedicated fund launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA) and the Asian Development Bank’s ventures win ADB Ventures.
“The NextFin Asia Fund is the result of the trust from Luxembourg’s Government and ADB’s towards the Catapult SE Asia programme,” said Alex Panican, Deputy CEO of the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT), adding: “I am confident that NextFin Asia will become the key catalyst for inclusive finance and innovation in Asia.”
The fund forms part of a broader support framework offered to beneficiaries of LHoFT’s Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 acceleration programme. It aims to help fintechs operating in Southeast Asia scale solutions addressing challenges in financial inclusion, climate finance, SME finance and digital infrastructure.
In addition to direct funding, selected fintechs will receive tailored mentoring and business support, direct access to institutional partners and regional stakeholders, as well as opportunities to connect with investors.
Applications are open
Fintech startups actively operating in or targeting Southeast Asia are invited to apply for the programme. Eligible sectors include digital payments, financial inclusion, climate and green finance, insurtech, agritech, SME finance, regtech and digital infrastructure. Applicants must be based in or active within ASEAN countries, and range from MVP-stage ventures to growth-stage companies.
Why Luxembourg?
Luxembourg positions itself as a global leader in sustainable and inclusive finance, allocating 1% of its Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance and hosting a significant share of the world’s microfinance and impact investment vehicles. The initiative leverages the country’s financial expertise and ecosystem to develop innovative solutions with global impact.
Since its inception, the Catapult programme has supported 115 fintechs from emerging markets across Africa and Asia, helping them scale solutions that serve underbanked communities and strengthen financial systems.
