Tyme Group, a digital banking startup, is accelerating its Southeast Asian strategy by targeting Indonesia and Vietnam as its next key growth markets. The company plans to enter full retail banking in Indonesia through an acquisition while preparing for a Vietnam launch with a new data processing hub. This expansion comes as digital banking adoption in the region is rising sharply, with lending volumes increasing by more than 20 percent annually.
Expansion in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Tyme has already made inroads with GoTyme Indonesia, which began offering lending products for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises earlier this year. Services like GoTyme Modal, supported by Olsera and Luna Capital Modal Xpress, have disbursed more than IDR 10 billion to merchants. By acquiring a local institution, Tyme intends to move from being an MSME-focused lender into a full-service retail bank, positioning itself against strong competitors such as Bank Jago and Grab-linked financial services.
Vietnam as the Next Market
Vietnam represents the next stage of Tyme’s regional growth, where the company has already established a data processing hub to support operations. The country’s high smartphone penetration, fast-growing economy, and relatively low banking inclusion create a favorable environment for digital lenders. Tyme aims to capture this untapped demand and compete with both local fintechs and regional players entering Vietnam’s digital finance sector.
Track Record Across Markets
Tyme is leveraging its proven experience in other emerging markets to support its Southeast Asian ambitions. In the Philippines, the group partnered with the Gokongwei Group in 2022 to launch GoTyme Bank, which now serves over 7 million customers and has disbursed more than PHP 5 billion in loans by mid-2025. In South Africa, TymeBank has grown to 11 million customers, backed by global investors such as Nubank and Tencent, giving the company a strong foundation to scale further in Asia.
Indonesia and Vietnam’s Digital Banking Potential
Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are widely recognized as the most promising digital banking markets in Southeast Asia. These countries combine large populations and high smartphone adoption with relatively low formal banking penetration, creating strong demand for digital-first financial services. By entering Indonesia’s retail banking segment and preparing to launch in Vietnam, Tyme is positioning itself to capture millions of unbanked and underbanked customers in two of the region’s fastest-growing markets.
Tyme’s expansion into Indonesia and Vietnam signals its determination to establish itself as a major force in Southeast Asia’s digital banking sector. By replicating its success in South Africa and the Philippines and leveraging the backing of global investors, the company is well-placed to challenge regional incumbents and drive financial inclusion. If successful, Tyme’s strategy could significantly reshape competition in one of the world’s most dynamic banking frontiers.