Visa’s 2025–2026 Growth Corporates Working Capital Index (WCI) reveals a significant gap between the working capital needs of mid-sized firms in Asia Pacific and the financial tools available to them. Despite rising inflation and liquidity pressures, nearly half of these companies are not using any working capital solutions, even as chief financial officers (CFOs) increasingly seek digital tools to enhance liquidity and drive growth.
The report identifies a misalignment between financial products and operational needs, with 47% of firms not utilising working capital tools due to their incompatibility with operational models. Many firms are calling for simpler digital solutions, with 41% seeking digital tools for credit management and 38% desiring on-demand financing.
Working capital is becoming a strategic growth lever, with firms using these solutions seeing an average $17.7m uplift to their bottom line and a 10% reduction in late-payment losses through digital card payments. The report also notes a shift in demands on banks, with 61% of CFOs using AI for working capital optimisation and prioritising faster, more flexible access to liquidity.
Chavi Jafa, Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, Asia Pacific at Visa, stated, “CFOs across Asia Pacific want flexible, sector-specific tools that match their operational realities.” Visa is partnering to deliver tailored, digital-first commercial solutions to help unlock working capital and accelerate approvals.
As demand for digital finance solutions grows, financial institutions are urged to integrate AI-driven insights and streamline processes to better support the evolving needs of Asia Pacific CFOs.
