Despite rapid gains in digital connectivity and financial access worldwide, more than 2.1 billion adults remain underbanked or unbanked—highlighting a widening gap between access to financial tools and achieving true financial resilience.

The insights come alongside the launch of the Global Financial Health Coalition, announced at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Kuala Lumpur and led by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. The initiative unites financial institutions, telecom operators, digital wallet providers, NGOs, and other industry leaders to move beyond access and focus on building long-term financial well-being for consumers and small businesses.

Financial Access Has Grown, but Resilience Lags

From 2011 to 2025, global financial access grew from 51% to 79% of adults, fueled by digital innovation. More than 85% of adults in low- and middle-income countries now own mobile phones, three-quarters of which are smartphones.

Yet, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, nearly half of adults in developing economies cannot secure emergency funds within 30 days, signaling underlying vulnerability despite improved access.

“Access alone is not enough,” said Bunita Sawhney, Chief Consumer Product Officer at Mastercard. “We must empower people with tools, trust, and capabilities to actively participate, transact, save, and grow within the digital economy.”

Research from Mastercard also shows that trust and awareness remain major barriers to sustained usage of financial tools.

The Global Financial Health Coalition: A Multi-Sector Effort

The new coalition brings together leading organizations including DANA, GCash, TrueMoney, MTN Group Fintech, MOCO, Axian Group, Daviplata, and the Center for Financial Inclusion.

Members will collaborate under three core principles:

1. Connecting people to the right financial tools
2. Protecting users through secure, responsible technology
3. Empowering long-term financial well-being and resilience

By sharing best practices and insights, the coalition aims to foster responsible innovation, strengthen trust, and improve financial capability across emerging markets.

Driving Global Impact

Digital wallets and mobile-first solutions are already transforming financial access in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Coalition members highlighted the importance of trust, security, empowerment, and innovation in shaping the next chapter of financial inclusion.

Industry Leaders Speak

DANA Indonesia, GCash, TrueMoney, MTN Group Fintech, Axian Group, Daviplata, Center for Financial Inclusion, and MOCO shared their commitment to the coalition’s mission:

• “Financial inclusion is entering a new chapter—one defined not just by access, but by empowerment and resilience.” — Vince Iswara, CEO, DANA Indonesia
• “Through this coalition, we want to extend our impact beyond borders and help build financial resilience across markets.” — Tony Isidro, CEO, Fuse Financing (GCash)
• “Financial health is not just about access, it's about empowerment.” — Monsinee Nakapanant, Co-President, TrueMoney
• “We aim to move people beyond access and unlock opportunity for millions across Africa.” — Serigne Dioum, CEO, MTN Group Fintech
• “Inclusive technology has the power to unlock possibilities for everyone.” — Erwan Gelebart, CEO, Open Innovation & Fintech, Axian Group
• “Our purpose is to make secure, mobile-first financial services accessible to all.” — Javier Suarez, CEO, Daviplata
• “Together, we aim to drive measurable progress toward a healthier financial future for all.” — Nataša Goronja, Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion
• “By sharing insights, we will help drive meaningful financial inclusion for underserved communities.” — Pranaya Rajbhandari, CEO, MOCO (Focusone Payment Solutions)

A Shared Mission for Financial Health

Mastercard emphasized that expanding digital access must go hand-in-hand with building resilience, protecting users, and equipping them with knowledge to thrive.

“Underpinned by trust and inclusion, we are reimagining what’s possible for the digital economy,” Sawhney said.