​   Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash

Real-time payments, also known as immediate payments or RTP, are a type of payment system that allows funds to be transferred and made available to the recipient almost immediately. This is in contrast to traditional payment methods, which can take several days to clear.

There are several reasons why Southeast Asia is prime for RTP payments. One of the main reasons is its large and growing population. With over 640 million people, Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and has a large, young, and increasingly urban population. This makes it an attractive market for financial technology (fintech) companies looking to offer innovative payment solutions.

Another reason is the region’s high level of mobile penetration. Southeast Asia has one of the highest rates of smartphone ownership in the world, with many people relying on their phones for everything from communication to banking. This makes it an ideal market for RTP payments, which can be made via mobile app or online.

Another factor is the region’s relatively underdeveloped financial infrastructure. Many Southeast Asian countries have a large unbanked population, meaning that a significant proportion of the population does not have access to traditional banking services. This presents an opportunity for fintech companies to offer alternative payment solutions that are more accessible and convenient.

One of the main players in the Southeast Asian RTP space is GrabPay, the digital wallet of ride-hailing giant Grab. GrabPay allows users to make RTP payments and also offers a range of financial services, including loans and insurance. Another player is Go-Pay, the digital wallet of ride-hailing company Go-Jek. Go-Pay allows users to make RTP payments and also offers a range of financial services, including loans and insurance.

There are also several other fintech companies operating in the Southeast Asian RTP space, including Ovo, Paytm, and Alipay.

However, there are also some challenges to the widespread adoption of RTP payments in Southeast Asia. One of the main challenges is regulatory. Many Southeast Asian countries have outdated payment systems and regulations, which can make it difficult for fintech companies to operate. It will be important for governments to modernize their payment systems and create a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation.

Another challenge is competition. The Southeast Asian RTP space is crowded, with many companies vying for a share of the market. This can make it difficult for smaller companies to compete and may lead to consolidation in the industry.

Despite these challenges, it is clear that Southeast Asia is ripe for the adoption of RTP payments. With its large and growing population, high level of mobile penetration, and relatively underdeveloped financial infrastructure, it is an ideal market for fintech companies looking to offer innovative payment solutions. As more and more people in the region adopt RTP payments, it is likely that they will become the dominant form of payment in the coming years.

Why Southeast Asia is Prime for Real-Time Payments (RTP) was originally published in Piccopay Pte. Ltd. on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.