Google AI
The Times Australia

Times Media

Singapore fintech sees surge in investments despite global trade fragmentation and tariff escalation: KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H1’25

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 September 2025 - Singapore's fintech sector recorded a strong rebound in the first half of 2025, attracting close to US$1.04 billion in investments across 90 deals, according to KPMG's Pulse of Fintech H1'2025 report.



This makes it the highest amount of investments the country has seen since the first half of 2023, where investments had hit US$1.59 billion across 125 deals. Compared to H1 2024, deal values had risen by about 87 percent year-on-year, and 28 percent from H2 2024.

Investments were predominantly driven by deals in the payments, cryptocurrency and AI and machine learning verticals, which accounted for the lion's share of the total deal size recorded for Singapore. Deals in the payment vertical were spread equally across early and late-stage deals, while cryptocurrency and AI and machine learning verticals largely saw early-stage deals.

Global fintech investments saw $44.7 billion across 2,216 deals in H1 2025, a dip from the $54.2 billion recorded across 2,376 deals in H2 2024.

"The data for Singapore shows that the country is seen as a strategic hub for fintech innovation, supported by robust regulatory frameworks that have shaped a financial ecosystem known for its efficiency, resilience, and trustworthiness," said Anton Ruddenklau, Partner, Head of Financial Services, KPMG in Singapore and Global Head of Fintech and Innovation for Financial Services, KPMG International.

"In a climate shaped by global trade tensions, the ability to enable decentralised, tech-driven, and non-traditional financial solutions will be critical. As traditional financial flows face disruption, the demand for agile, resilient infrastructure will see higher demand," he added.

Fintech verticals
Singapore
Global
Ranking
Deal Size

US$ (million)
Ranking
Deal Size

US$ (million)
Payments
#1
474.66
#4
4,644.02
Crypto
#2
254.10
#1
8,371.1
AI & ML deals
#3
234.50
#2
7,220.16
InsurTech
#4
147
#3
4,800
Reg Tech
#5
39.80
#5
2,079.3
Cybersecurity
#6
6.50
#9
115.2
ESG (New)
#7
0*
#6
1,134.77
Proptech
#8
0*
#7
331.0
WealthTech
#9
0
#8
214.2
*Deal sizes were not revealed despite some deals being recorded

Singapore's fintech payments sector defies global trends

In Singapore, fintech investments in the payments sector climbed to US$475 million in the first half of 2025—an almost eightfold increase from H2 2024. Globally, the payments segment saw US$4.6 billion in H1 2025.

In Singapore, this rise was anchored by mega-deals such as Airwallex's US$301 million raise, positioning the country as a regional epicenter for digital payments innovation.

"Singapore's fintech firms are capitalising on the demand for agile, interoperable payment platforms that can navigate tariff-induced complexities," said Mr Ruddenklau.

Deal records indicate that the top three deals targeting companies focused on cross-border payment solutions.

This trend highlights not only the sustained demand for digital payment applications, but also a growing appetite for infrastructure that enables real-time, cross-border retail and commercial transactions. As global commerce becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, investors are prioritising scalable, tech-enabled platforms that can address the complexities of international payments—such as compliance, currency conversion, and settlement speed—while maintaining security and user trust.

Singapore's digital assets and currencies sector leads in deal activity amid global momentum

Singapore's digital assets and currencies sector recorded 48 deals in H1 2025—the highest number of deals among all fintech verticals—despite a slight dip from 53 deals in H2 2024. With US$254.1 million in investments, the sector ranked second in deal value, underscoring its resilience and investor appeal.

The two largest deals were secured by protocol provider Giants Planet and blockchain intelligence and tooling platform Coinseeker.co, each raising US$30 million.

This could be early signs of an emerging trend where institutional stakeholders are driving the demand for regulated financial services, pushing up demand for infrastructure that allows for scalability, interoperability, and real-world utility.

Investors are increasingly backing platforms that can support secure, compliant, and high-throughput ecosystems. The emphasis on infrastructure also reflects growing demand for enterprise-grade solutions that can integrate with traditional financial systems while enabling decentralised innovation.

AI-powered fintech continues to surge in Singapore

Singapore's AI-powered fintech sector saw a new high in H1 2025, with the artificial intelligence and machine learning vertical attracting US$234.5 million across 22 deals— surpassing previous records seen in 2023 and 2024.

A large share of these investments was directed toward business productivity tools and financial software, reflecting a strong appetite for AI solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support digital transformation.

Looking ahead, we could possibly see more hyper-personalised financial services, where AI tailors products and advice to individual user behaviours and preferences. Regulatory technology (RegTech) is also set to expand, with AI streamlining compliance and risk management in increasingly complex financial environments.

Global Key Highlights for H1'25

  • Global fintech investment saw the softest six-month period since H1'20, with just $44.7 billion in investment across 2,216 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $26.7 billion in H2'24 to $19.9 billion in H1'25, while PE investment fell from $4.4 billion to $1.4 billion; global VC investment remained steady over the same timeframe, rising marginally from $23 billion to $23.4 billion.
  • The EMEA region was the only major region to see fintech investment grow—from $11.1 billion across 780 deals in H2'24 to $13.7 billion across 759 deals in H1'25.
  • The Americas attracted the most fintech investment in H1'25, with $26.7 billion invested across 1,092 deals in H1'25—down from $35.7 billion across 1,150 deals in H2'24.
  • The ASPAC region had the softest level of fintech investment, with just $4.2 billion across 363 deals in H1'25, compared to $7.3 billion across 444 deals in H2'24.
  • At the sector level, digital assets, AI, and regtech were all trending well ahead of 2024's investment levels at mid-year. Digital assets had $8.3 billion in investment in H1'25—compared to $10.7 billion during all of 2024, while AI saw $7.2 billion in investment—compared to $8.9 billion in all of 2024.
"Given the geopolitical situation globally, much of the fintech investment globally we've seen so far in 2025 has been very strategic, rather than broad-brush speculative investments. Firms were more focused on cost cutting and on divesting non-core and underperforming assets than new deals. The increase in AI-focused fintech investment dovetails with that. Both investors and institutional users are very keen on the potential of generative AI and agentic AI—and startups that are to improve efficiencies and drive value through GenAI will command premium valuations and significant investment. Fintech-focused AI is only going to get hotter headed into the back half of 2025," he added.
Hashtag: #KPMGInternational #Fintech

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited ("KPMG International") operate and provide professional services. "KPMG" is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

Read more: Singapore fintech sees surge in investments despite global trade fragmentation and tariff escalation...

More Articles …

  1. KPMG and SID unveil Budget 2026 strategies to bolster Singapore’s role as a hub for global flows
  2. Geely Redefines Next-Gen Smart Vehicle Tech, Unveiling Full-Domain AI 2.0 and G-ASD at CES 2026
  3. 90 Million Downloads & Counting: ELSA Speak’s AI helps HK Professionals Increase Market Value and Unlock Global Opportunities
  4. Patriot Critical Minerals Announces Corporate Update Regarding NI 43-101 Technical Report
  5. 1Play and MOONTON Games Introduce First Official M Series Trading Card Collection in Multi-Year Strategic Partnership
  6. Ice and Snow as a Bridge to Global Dialogue, Charting a New Chapter of Cooperative Development: the "Global Mayors Dialogue · Harbin" Kicked Off on January 6
  7. [CES 2026 Deep Dive] From Fingertips to the Stars: Lens Technology Debuts Aerospace-Grade UTG, Reshaping the LEO Satellite "Energy Canopy"
  8. CP AXTRA Achieves 88/100 DJSI Sustainability Score Ranks 2nd Globally in the Food & Staples Retailing Sector, Reinforcing Its Global Leadership in Retail and Wholesale Sustainability
  9. First Phosphate Announces Initial Payment Under Long-Term Offtake Agreement for Phosphate Concentrate
  10. Changhong Unveils AI‑Powered Smart Home Solutions at CES 2026
  11. Grab Acquires Chinese AI Robotics Firm Infermove to Strengthen Last-Mile Delivery Capabilities
  12. Prudential Study Reveals Young Asians Choose Financial Planning Over Spontaneity
  13. My Sweet Home Employment Agency Launches Hong Kong’s First AI-Powered Domestic Helper Comparison Tool
  14. Uni-Bio Science Joins Forces with WMU NERC and Ouhai District Government to Build Growth Factor Innovation Ecosystem and Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Strategy Layout
  15. Gaw Capital Partners and GFH Partners Form JV to Develop UAE Industrial and Logistics Development Platform
  16. From Zero to Everywhere: VinFast Turned Electric Cars into Daily Life in the Philippines
  17. AS Watson Marks 185 Years of Caring: Surpasses 10,000 Smiles for Children With Cleft Lips
  18. Hong Kong to host 2026 INTERPOL General Assembly
  19. Kardome Launches Cognition AI: On-Device, Context-Aware Voice UI
  20. Energea introduces next-generation portable power with its Hybrid Solid-State Power Banks
  21. FastLane Wins Total Xero Award 2025 as It Leads Accounting Into the AI Era
  22. Singapore’s Quantum Ambitions Accelerate as Homegrown Company Aires Applied Quantum Technology Advances Region’s First PQC and Quantum Technology Patents
  23. TVBS Foundation raises over NT$32 million for charity
  24. FutureGen Girls Foundation and Microsoft Hong Kong Sign MOU to Empower Teen Girls and Young Women through AI and Future Skills Development
  25. 76 Asian Agri Partner Cooperatives in Riau and Jambi Receive Sustainable Palm Oil Premiums, Strengthening Smallholder Livelihoods
  26. DL Securities Secures Virtual Asset Trading License
  27. News Hub Asia announces the NHA Top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
  28. Vietnam Airlines Introduces New Direct Service Between Hanoi and Cebu
  29. Vietnam Airlines Debuts Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen Service
  30. Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
  31. Happy New Year for Hong Kong’s Tourism and Mega Events Economy
  32. A Diamond is Forever And Lane Crawford Launch "The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series"
  33. Innolux Unveils Next-Generation Display Technology, Integrating MicroLED and N3D to Create a Cross-Domain Immersive Experience Ecosystem
  34. BTL Hong Kong gathers 300 doctors and Linda Chung at "Mindful Beauty" Regional Summit in Phu Quoc in 2025
  35. Global Youth Multicultural Forum Highlights Xizang Culture in Singapore and Malaysia
  36. ICONSIAM Elevates Thailand onto the World Countdown Map with "Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026"
  37. Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards: Sowing Today, Cultivating Future Leaders Tomorrow
  38. Experts: Vinhomes Green Paradise Is One of the World’s Rarest Branded Real Estate Assets
  39. A Decade of Challenge and Collaboration: APRIL Reflects on Scientific Leadership in Peatland Management
  40. First Phosphate Common Shares Added to the CSE25 Index
  41. HEYTEA Partners with POP MART’s Twinkle Twinkle for First Global Simultaneous Launch
  42. Lane Crawford and AiDLab Partner to Innovate Fashion Retail through AI, Launching Interactive Personal Stylist
  43. Huawei and PEA Jointly Release Next-Gen Intelligent Substation Solution
  44. BBSB International Limited Proposes Listing on GEM of HKEx to raise a maximum of approximately HK$87 million by way of Share Offer
  45. PAObank Enhances "Money Safe" Feature for Upgraded Anti-Fraud Protection
  46. AI-Powered Super League "A-Super Night" Empowering All Industries Held in Guangxi, China
  47. European elegance, Middle Eastern character: The design story behind VinFast VF 8
  48. Security Tokenization Moves Toward Practical Adoption, BGEANX Exchange Highlights Compliance Framework
  49. RWA Section Goes Live: BGEANX Exchange Now Supports Stock, Bond, and ETF Trading
  50. Security Tokenization Enters Operational Phase: BGEANX Exchange Enables Full Transaction and Settlement Workflow

Times Magazine

Still Want to Change Gears? The New Cars Keeping the Manual Alive in Australia

For decades, learning to drive meant mastering the clutch pedal, selecting the right gear and find...

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now China is proving reusable rockets are the new battleground.

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric? Understanding the Differences

Buying a new car has become more complicated than choosing between petrol and diesel. Today's buye...

Technology

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now Chi…

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Local News

Fremantle Ports to trial project to…

Fremantle Ports has partnered with Byssal and DevelopmentWA to trial an innovative nature-based pilo...

Culture

Healthy Eating: What Does a Science-Based Die…

After years of changing food trends—from low-fat to low-carbohydrate, detoxes and "superfoods"—it ...

Travel

Korea Tourism Organization Invites Australian…

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has launched Korea Unlocks More of You, a new national campai...

The Times Features

Korea Tourism Organization Invites Australians to Unloc…

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has launched Korea Unlocks More of You, a new national campai...

Immigration Numbers Are a Policy Debate, Not a Race Deb…

Immigration has long helped shape modern Australia. New arrivals have contributed to the nation's...

One Nation at 29: Protest Party or Permanent Political …

Twenty-nine years ago, when Pauline Hanson's One Nation was officially formed in 1997, many politi...