The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) has unveiled a major evolution for its flagship Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program, introducing a dedicated investment fund named NextFin Asia. This new chapter is launched in a strategic partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative aims to significantly enhance support for fintech companies driving financial inclusion across Southeast Asia by directly mobilizing capital for high-impact solutions.
From Acceleration to Direct Investment
Building on the success of its first two editions, the program is transitioning from a pure acceleration initiative into a comprehensive regional platform. Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 will now combine capital, specialized expertise, and crucial market access for its participants. This strategic pivot is designed to empower fintechs that are developing solutions for key development and financial inclusion challenges throughout the ASEAN region.
For the first time, a select cohort of high-potential startups will receive direct investment opportunities through the NextFin Asia Fund, enabling them to scale more rapidly and sustainably. Beyond funding, graduates will benefit from tailored strategic guidance, deployment support, and enhanced brand visibility to accelerate market entry. The 2026 program will feature key events in Luxembourg in June and at the Singapore FinTech Festival in November.
A Strategic Alliance for Regional Impact
The collaboration between the LHoFT, Luxembourg's MFA, and the ADB reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovative and resilient financial ecosystems in Southeast Asia. The partnership creates a powerful synergy, merging Luxembourg's established leadership in sustainable finance with the ADB's deep regional expertise and development finance capabilities. This alliance provides a robust platform to support startups addressing critical needs in the region.
The ADB plays a vital role in promoting inclusive growth across Asia, and its venture arm, ADB Ventures, invests in early-stage technology companies with strong development impact potential. Complementing this, Luxembourg continues its role as a global leader in inclusive finance, dedicating significant resources to development assistance. The Catapult program leverages this foundation to connect capital with innovation for tangible impact.
Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative
Leadership from the partner organizations emphasized the initiative's groundbreaking nature and strategic importance for the region. Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the partnership's ability to combine financial expertise with regional insight to scale innovation. He noted that the program strategically uses public investment to mobilize private capital, translating strong partnerships into tangible on-the-ground impact.
Isabel Chatterton of the ADB stated that the collaboration combines catalytic capital with market-readiness support to help founders advance financial inclusion for underserved communities. Alex Panican from the LHoFT described the model as a pioneering effort, with a development bank and a fintech accelerator partnering for direct investment. He expressed confidence that NextFin Asia will become a key catalyst for inclusive finance in Asia.
The launch of the NextFin Asia fund within the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program marks a pivotal moment for the region's fintech landscape. By integrating direct funding with expert mentorship and market access, the initiative offers an unparalleled platform for startups dedicated to solving financial inclusion challenges. As applications prepare to open, this enhanced program is poised to accelerate the growth of impactful solutions and foster sustainable development across Southeast Asia.