e-Conomy SEA 2026: Singapore Leads in Digital Wealth and AI Use

The e-Conomy SEA 2026 report establishes Singapore's significant lead in both digital wealth and AI adoption within Southeast Asia. This leadership in digital wealth is attributed to an affluent, financially literate consumer base, robust capital markets, and a mature digital financial ecosystem. While some regional markets, like Vietnam and the Philippines, saw declines in user engagement, the report suggests these are likely short-term fluctuations rather than a fundamental shift away from digital investing.

Singapore's AI adoption rates are notable, with 70% of its working population identified as GenAI users, and one-third of these users engaging with AI daily. This high engagement drives a substantial 7.7 billion annual AI queries. The report projects significant growth in Singapore's digital lending sector, expected to reach US$39 billion in 2026 and US$92 billion by 2035, outpacing digital payments and insurance in near-term growth.

Across the region, AI primarily serves as a tool for discovery and evaluation in e-commerce, with consumers generally reverting to manual control for transactions. Trust in AI as a shopping assistant is high, with 93% of users trusting it to some degree. However, this trust is often conditional: 50% verify AI recommendations, and only 3% would allow AI to take action on their behalf. This suggests a clear boundary where users value AI for information but prefer direct control over financial decisions.