REPORT
How Singapore SMEs are scaling in 2026 with a strong financial foundation
Singapore businesses are tightening spend, accelerating fintech adoption, and prioritising regional growth. Get insights on how a strong financial foundation can help you manage costs, simplify cross-border flows, and support your next phase of growth.
IN THIS REPORT
Understand how Singapore SMEs are recalibrating for growth
73% cite rising costs as top threat, up from 62% in 2025
While manpower gaps (43%) and cash flow concerns (42%) remain key pressures, margin strain is now the dominant risk shaping business decisions for SMEs.
58% plan to increase spending, down from 76% last year
Instead of aggressive expansion, SMEs are choosing strategic, near-term growth and investing where they see strongest opportunities and least execution risk.
Fintech adoption jumped from 38% to 57% in one year
More SMEs are seeing digital financial tools as essential for simplifying workflows, automating processes, and reducing operational friction.
97% plan overseas expansion within the next 18 months
Southeast Asia leads the shift, with interest rising from 40% to 46% year-on-year – particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
HOW AIRWALLEX HELPS
Build resilience with modern financial infrastructure
Reduce FX costs and protect your margins
Avoid forced conversions and unnecessary FX fees. Hold funds in the original currency and convert at competitive interbank rates that can help you save up to 80% in FX costs.
Strengthen cash flow and make your capital work harder
Put idle funds to work while maintaining flexible access to your capital. Manage liquidity on a platform trusted by businesses moving billions globally each year.
Digitise your financial operations
Automate expense capture, approvals, and reconciliation in one place. Issue multi-currency cards, streamline reimbursements, and integrate directly with your accounting software to reduce manual work.
Tap into Southeast Asia’s growth markets
Receive, hold, and send funds with local account details, without opening multiple foreign bank accounts or managing fragmented banking setups.
