Singapore ranks sixth in Prudential's inaugural Asia financial wellbeing index
Singapore scores 57.7 out of 100 in Prudential plc's inaugural Financial Wellbeing Index, placing it sixth among eight Asian markets, with only 14 per cent of respondents saying they have adequate access to financial services — below the regional average.
- Younger adults (18–35) score highest on financial wellbeing at 59.8 out of 100.
- Only one in three respondents feel they will not need to work in retirement.
- Vietnam leads regional wellbeing scores; Hong Kong records the lowest at 52.5.
Singapore has ranked sixth out of eight Asian markets in Prudential plc's inaugural Financial Wellbeing Index, scoring 57.7 out of 100 — below the regional average of 58.9 — with access to financial services identified as a key area of concern among respondents in the city-state.
The index, published on 5 March 2026, measures how adults across Asia are managing their finances today and how prepared they feel for the future.
It surveyed 7,707 adults aged 18 to 60 across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam between September and December 2025.
Singapore's score places it above only the Philippines, which recorded 55.0, and Hong Kong, which scored the lowest in the region at 52.5.
Access gap weighs on Singapore's standing
A notable finding for Singapore is the proportion of respondents who strongly agree they have access to the financial services and products needed for long-term success. At 14 per cent, Singapore falls below the regional average of 18 per cent.
By comparison, Vietnam leads on this measure at 26 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 28 per cent and Thailand at 21 per cent. Malaysia recorded 15 per cent, Taiwan 12 per cent, and the Philippines 18 per cent, while Hong Kong recorded the lowest at 8 per cent.
Prudential noted that in markets where financial wellbeing scores are higher, people tend to feel more equipped and supported by access to financial knowledge, services and planning tools.
Regional scorecard: Vietnam leads, Hong Kong trails
Across all eight markets, Vietnam recorded the highest overall financial wellbeing score at 65.1, driven in part by the highest level of reported access to financial planning products. Indonesia followed at 62.0, with Thailand at 60.4 and Malaysia at 58.1. Taiwan scored 57.8, placing it just above Singapore's 57.7.
Hong Kong recorded the lowest score at 52.5, with respondents there reporting the least satisfaction with access to financial solutions across the region.
Wellbeing tapers with age
The research finds that financial confidence peaks in early adulthood and declines across later life stages. Adults aged 18 to 35 scored 59.8 out of 100, compared with 58.2 for those aged 36 to 49 and 57.7 for those aged 50 to 60.
Younger adults cite job stability and family health as their primary financial concerns. Those aged 50 to 60 are most preoccupied with deteriorating physical health and the rising costs of necessities such as food, clothing, energy and transport.
Prudential said the widening gap across life stages underscores the importance of early financial preparation, sustained education and long-term planning.
A gap between present stability and future confidence
The index also reveals a structural disconnect between how financially stable people feel today and how prepared they are for the longer term. Across the region, respondents scored 61.7 on present financial security but only 55.2 on future financial freedom — a gap of 6.5 points.
Prudential described this as evidence that many people are managing adequately in the short term but do not feel equipped to sustain financial choices or absorb unexpected shocks over time.
Only one in three respondents — 34 per cent across the region — said they would not need to continue earning during their retirement years.
Fewer than half, at 47 per cent, said they feel secure when thinking about their financial future, while just 45 per cent believe they could handle a major unexpected expense. Across all markets, 67 per cent of respondents said they save money every month.
Prudential's response and commitments
Angel Ng, Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Greater China and Group Customer, Wealth and Product at Prudential plc, said that longer lifespans across Asia are reshaping expectations around financial wellbeing. Ng said customers are looking beyond financial products and want "confidence, clarity, and a partner" to guide them toward a future they can genuinely look forward to.
"At Prudential, we believe financial planning is not just about preparing for later years; it is about enabling wellbeing at every stage of life," Ng said.
Prudential also highlighted Cha-Ching, a financial literacy programme run by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, which targets children aged 7 to 12. The programme has reached more than four million students and teachers across Asia and Africa and is marking its 10th anniversary this year.
A new digital-first financial literacy programme for adults is also under development, aimed at supporting participants on their path toward financial security and freedom.
