Prudential PLC, the leading Asia and Africa insurer, has released its report of a commissioned study on financial wellbeing in Asia on 5 March 2026. Financial confidence and preparedness are highest among younger adults in Asia and decrease in later life stages, according to the research carried out by Prudential plc (“Prudential”). Results show that those adults who are 18-35 years of age score 59.8 out of 100 in financial wellbeing, compared with 58.2 for those between the ages of 36-49 years and 57.7 among those aged 50-60 years.
As the reports of the study revealed, the findings form the basis for Prudential’s inaugural Financial Wellbeing Index, a regional barometer of how people in Asia are managing their finances today and how ready they feel for tomorrow. Measured from four dimensions — present financial security, future financial security, present financial freedom, and future financial freedom — the study combines attitudes, behaviors, and expectations into a single score to indicate the level of financial wellbeing. Moreover, the study covered eight Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam through an online quantitative survey and was carried out among 7,707 adults aged 18-60 years.
But there are opportunities to strengthen financial wellbeing. Despite nearly half of all adults (46 percent) rating their financial wellbeing as good or above, the index this year records an overall score of 58.9, pointing to a broad-based opportunity to strengthen confidence and preparedness. While those aged 18-35 express stronger optimism towards their financial future, concerns around job stability and family health remain prominent. In contrast, adults aged 50-60 are most concerned about their physical health deteriorating and rising costs of necessities such as food, clothing, power, and transport, reflecting the financial and health‑related pressures that tend to intensify later in life.
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As the report further revealed, there is a disconnect between day‑to‑day stability and long‑term financial freedom, defined as the level of preparedness for meeting financial goals. While people feel relatively secure in the present (61.7), their confidence in future financial freedom is significantly lower (55.2), suggesting that many are managing in the short term but do not feel fully equipped to sustain choices and absorb financial shocks over the longer run.
It is notable that only one in three adults (34 percent) says they do not need to keep earning in their retirement years. Fewer than half (47 percent) feel secure when thinking about their financial future, while only 45 percent believe they could handle a major unexpected expense. This gap continues to widen across later life stages, highlighting the importance of early financial preparation, ongoing education, and long-term planning in achieving financial freedom and sustained wellbeing.
There are market differences and challenges in Access. Across the region, Vietnam records the highest overall financial wellbeing score at 65.1, supported by the highest number of adults (66 percent) who strongly or slightly agree they have access to financial services and products that enable long-term financial planning. Indonesia (62.0) and Thailand (60.4) follow closely, with adults in both markets also reporting among the highest levels of financial knowledge, access to services, and planning for long‑term success. On the other hand, those in Hong Kong, which scores the lowest for financial wellbeing at 52.5, are the least satisfied with their access.
Overall, access to financial solutions remains limited in Asia. As the report of the Prudential PLC study reveals, less than one-fifth of the adults (18 percent) strongly agree they have what they need to achieve financial success — a disparity that amplifies the challenge of building optimal financial wellbeing and can compound over time. But bridging the gaps is vital for financial wellbeing.
Expectations for financial welling is growing. Angel Ng, Regional CEO, Greater China, Group Customer, Wealth and Product, Prudential plc, said: “Longer lifespans across Asia are transforming expectations around financial wellbeing…” Sustained financial wellbeing will require improved access to financial solutions and long‑term planning, bringing confidence and clarity to individuals at every stage of life.
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