E-PAYMENT | Digital payments can help expand charitable giving in Southeast Asia — report
The study introduced a Digital Giving Maturity Framework aimed at helping fintech companies, nonprofit organizations and policymakers assess the effectiveness of digital giving ecosystems and identify areas for improvement.
Southeast Asia’s widespread adoption of digital payments has not translated into similar growth in online charitable giving, according to a new study released during the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026.
The study, From Payment for Goods to Payment for Good: Digital Giving in Southeast Asia – An Exploratory Study, was published by the Tech for Good Institute with support from Ant International. Researchers described the situation as a “digital giving paradox,” where digital payment services are deeply integrated into daily life, but digital donations remain underutilized.
The report found that 71% of Southeast Asians regularly use digital payment platforms and projected the region’s digital payments market to reach between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion by 2030. It said existing digital ecosystems, including e-wallets, payment networks, super apps and commerce platforms, could help increase participation in charitable giving if donation features are more seamlessly integrated into everyday transactions.
“What we’re seeing is not a gap in generosity, but a gap in design,” said Citra Nasruddin, program director at the Tech for Good Institute. “When giving is simple, trusted, and integrated into daily digital experiences, participation increases.”
The study introduced a Digital Giving Maturity Framework aimed at helping fintech companies, nonprofit organizations and policymakers assess the effectiveness of digital giving ecosystems and identify areas for improvement.
According to the report, digital giving initiatives have achieved the strongest adoption when they are embedded in commonly used digital services, supported by transparent and trusted platforms, designed to simplify the donation process and made accessible to underserved communities.
The research cited several regional initiatives that combine digital platforms with social and environmental programs, including Ocean Buddy in Indonesia, the GCash MSME Scorecard and AlipayHK’s emergency donation portal.
Researchers said stronger collaboration among fintech firms, nonprofit groups and governments will be needed to improve interoperability, reduce friction in donation processes and strengthen public trust in digital giving platforms across Southeast Asia.
The report was launched during a summit session that brought together representatives from the fintech, philanthropy and policy sectors to discuss the future of digital giving in the region.
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