As 2026 progresses, Asia is leading a commercial transformation, reshaping global trade dynamics. Digital transformation has transitioned from a future goal to a current reality, establishing the region as the hub of borderless commerce.
Central to this shift are three key elements: the development of cross-border trade systems, the acceptance of stablecoins through effective regulatory measures, and the profound integration of artificial intelligence in mainstream business processes.
Regional finance leaders are not just responding to changes but are catalysts for them, with Singapore positioned as a crucial center for innovation and growth.
Statistics underscore this trend: Asia’s digital economy is growing at an annual rate of 4.9%, significantly surpassing global GDP growth by almost two percentage points.
Cross-border revenue growth is robust, with many firms reporting annual increases over 30%. This momentum is fueled by a new generation of financial technologies that facilitate secure, smooth, and scalable international transactions.
From Knowing to Doing
Artificial intelligence has shifted from being a tool for insights to one for execution. Initially focused on data analysis and forecasting, it has evolved into agentic AI—capable of performing tasks autonomously.
Sarita Singh, Stripe’s regional head for Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China, articulates, “AI has transitioned from knowledge to action, enabling it to perform tasks rather than just answer queries—this is agentic AI, a focus of Stripe.” This change is enhancing customer experiences and streamlining backend operations.
CFOs Report Tangible Improvements
Singh states, “CFOs investing in AI are observing substantial benefits: increased order values, decreased friction, and expedited global expansion.” These advantages stem from strategic investments in modular, API-driven financial systems that enable firms to adapt swiftly.
BCG indicates that AI and generative AI could elevate ASEAN-6’s GDP by up to US$120 billion by 2027, particularly in the ICT and financial services sectors, with Singapore expected to see the highest GDP growth in the area at 3.1%.
Stablecoins on the Rise
Alongside the AI movement, stablecoins are being increasingly adopted across Asia, where cross-border trade constitutes a central economic activity. Traditional payment systems have posed significant challenges.
Stablecoins—digital currencies pegging to stable assets like the US dollar—are becoming the go-to choice for international transactions. Singh notes that “56% of institutions in the region have integrated stablecoins into their payment systems—the highest globally,” driven by the demand for rapid expansion.
Building Institutional Confidence
There is notable policy momentum, with regulators in Asia being proactive, creating an environment conducive for CFOs to adopt stablecoins confidently. This results in quicker settlements, lowered transaction costs, and enhanced liquidity, critical for navigating unpredictable markets.
However, with innovation comes complexity. As AI systems make decisions autonomously and digital assets traverse multiple regions, maintaining compliance and security becomes increasingly vital.
Singapore: A Hub for Growth
Southeast Asia’s resilience amidst geopolitical uncertainties continues to attract global investments. Singapore, with its favorable regulatory landscape and cutting-edge digital infrastructure, serves as the optimal gateway for companies expanding throughout ASEAN and beyond.
The city-state champions digital currency and fintech advancements, making it a testing ground for future commerce models. Finance leaders are advised to leverage this volatile period for experimentation in new products, ideas, and market segments. Stakeholders interested in navigating these developments are encouraged to attend the Stripe Tour Singapore 2025 on August 20, 2025.
