ARTICLE
Transforming finance in ASEAN
Cloud, composability and the road to inclusion
16 June 2025
Insights by David Becker
The financial world is undergoing rapid transformation, particularly in the dynamic ASEAN region. A recent panel discussion at the Asian Banker Summit 2025 in Jakarta explored how cloud-native platforms, open banking, and open finance are revolutionizing global finance. Among them was David Becker, Managing Director, Head of APAC Sales at Mambu, who shared important insights into how Mambu's cloud-native and composable banking platform drives this change. Let's look into the highlights.
Cloud-native power vs. Cloud-hosted limitations
Starting off the discussion, David emphasised the vital distinction between cloud-native and traditional cloud-hosted solutions. Mambu builds its cloud-native architecture for the cloud, not simply deployed on it. This design difference enables true on-demand scalability, which is crucial for institutions operating in dynamic and often unpredictable markets. Mambu’s cloud-native and composable architecture allows financial institutions to launch new features, deploy Sharia-compliant products, or integrate real-time payments in weeks, not years unlike legacy systems adapted for the cloud.
This kind of agility fuels continuous innovation, letting new entrants in emerging markets adapt rapidly, offer competitive services, and seize opportunities faster than legacy players. The ability to respond to customer needs and regulatory shifts quickly can be the difference between success and stagnation.
“Our composable platform lowers the barrier to entry,” David explained. “It allows players to move fast, iterate constantly, and offer relevant, accessible services from day one.”
Empowering ASEAN integration and partnerships
With extensive experience in ASEAN, Mambu understands the region's unique dynamics and rapid innovation. Our composable platform accelerates integrating new services and partnerships, driving financial inclusion and competition.
For example:
- In Indonesia, Bank Jago, a digital-first bank built on Mambu, quickly integrated with e-wallets and fintechs, extending financial access to its customers.
- Good Money by GSB in Thailand introduced custom loan products to address the needs of underserved citizens.
- In Singapore, GB Helios, a leading non-bank financial institution, accelerated SME lending using Mambu. By moving to our core platform, they cut time-to-market, grew the customer base by 30%, and built a future-ready lending business.
- Malaysia's first Islamic bank, Bank Islam launched Be U, a cloud-native digital bank built on Mambu. The team went from prototype to launch in just 13 months, gaining over 1.8 million app downloads to date and opening the door to new digital-first services.
Speed Drives Impact: CAKE by VPBank success story
Nothing illustrates the power of speed like the launch of CAKE by VPBank, a digital bank that went live in just 74 days using Mambu.
This velocity does more than wow industry insiders. It changes the game for consumers and markets alike. By becoming operational quickly, new entrants can reach underserved populations faster, accelerating financial inclusion.
Free from the constraints of legacy systems, digital banks deploy agile, mobile-first solutions such as micro-lending and culturally relevant savings products. Their ability to adapt offerings based on real-time customer feedback builds trust and drives deeper market penetration, particularly in communities long overlooked by traditional banks.
Mambu enables growth for Islamic banks, digital challengers and fintechs
Mambu acts as a growth enabler for banks, digital challengers and fintechs in the region. Our cloud-native, composable approach gives institutions the flexibility to innovate rapidly, integrate with modern ecosystems, and scale sustainably. Whether launching new products, reaching underserved markets, or building new digital propositions, Mambu provides the agility and expertise to help customers lead in the evolving financial landscape.
“We bring not just the technology, but the global insight and experience of working with over 260 institutions across 65 countries,” David said. “That matters when you're trying to grow fast, stay compliant, and keep customers at the heart of everything you build.”
Final Thoughts
As the session concluded, the panelists echoed a common theme: collaboration will define the future of finance.
Legacy banks must adopt build-and-partner models, regulators should create space for responsible innovation, and all stakeholders must prioritize inclusive, customer-first experiences. With cloud-native technology and open ecosystems as the foundation, the ASEAN region is well-positioned to lead the next wave of financial transformation.
If you want to learn more about how Mambu can help your institution scale, reach out to our team today.
© Mambu 2026