Deepening Luxembourg–ASEAN collaboration to mobilize capital for high-impact financial inclusion. The Luxembourg Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia acceleration program will now be supported by NextFin Asia, a newly established dedicated fund launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
LUXEMBOURG and SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) announces a major evolution of the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program with the launch of its first dedicated investment fund, delivered through NextFin Asia. Launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA), and ADB Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 aims to strengthen Luxembourg's role in supporting scalable fintech solutions across Southeast Asia.
After proving the model in its first two editions, the third edition of Catapult SE Asia will change the game. By introducing direct funding, the program evolves from a pure acceleration initiative into a regional platform that combines capital, expertise, and market access to support fintechs tackling development and financial inclusion challenges across ASEAN.
From Acceleration to Funding: A New Chapter
Building on the success of its previous editions, Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 will support a selected cohort of high-potential fintech startups operating across ASEAN. For the first time, participating startups will benefit not only from tailored acceleration, mentorship and institutional partnerships, but also from direct investment opportunities through the newly launched NextFin Asia Fund, designed to finance and support founders to scale faster and more sustainably. Beyond capital, Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 graduates will gain tailored strategic guidance and critical deployment support to help accelerate their market access, enhance brand visibility and strengthen impact measurement to ensure effective scaling. The 2026 edition will unfold across two key global and regional milestones:
- June 2026 – Luxembourg, marking the official global launch and institutional engagement phase in one of the main Financial hubs in the world.
- November 2026 – Singapore FinTech Festival, positioning Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia at the heart of the region's fintech ecosystem.
A Strategic Partnership for Regional Impact
The collaboration between the MFA, ADB, and the LHoFT Foundation reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient and innovative financial ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
ADB brings deep regional expertise, development finance capabilities and a strong focus on scalable, impact-driven innovation. Combined with Luxembourg's long-standing leadership in sustainable finance and fintech innovation, the partnership creates a powerful platform to support startups addressing challenges in financial inclusion, climate finance, SME finance, digital infrastructure and beyond.
ADB plays a critical role in advancing inclusive growth across Asia and the Pacific through loans, grants and technical assistance, supporting countries where access to finance remains a key barrier to development. ADB Ventures, as ADB's venture arm, complements this mission by investing in early-stage technology companies whose breakthrough innovations have strong potential to scale and create development impact.
Luxembourg's Commitment to Inclusive Finance and Innovation
Luxembourg continues to be a global leader in sustainable and inclusive finance, allocating 1% of its Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance and hosting a significant share of the world's microfinance and impact investment vehicles.
Through Luxembourg's value chain, know-how, expertise, and major financial stakeholders, Catapult SE Asia builds on this foundation, reinforcing Luxembourg's position as a major financial hub connecting capital, innovation, and development impact.
Since its inception, the Catapult program has supported 115 fintechs from emerging markets across Africa and Asia, helping them scale solutions that serve underbanked communities and strengthen financial systems.
Voices from the Partnership
Quote from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA)
"Luxembourg has long established itself as a center for sustainable and innovative finance. I am pleased about this new partnership with the LHoFT and ADB Ventures, which brings together Luxembourg's financial expertise, regional insight and investment capacity to scale inclusive innovation across Southeast Asia. Through the NextFin Asia programme, we are supporting local entrepreneurs and start-ups, while using public investment strategically to mobilise private capital alongside it. This is how strong partnerships, through innovation, translate into tangible impact on the ground," said Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs.
Quote From ADB:
"Through this partnership with the Luxembourg MFA and the LHoFT Foundation, we are combining catalytic capital with market‑readiness support to help fintech founders scale solutions that advance financial inclusion across Southeast Asia. NextFin Asia strengthens our shared commitment to expanding access to finance for MSMEs and underserved communities in the region," said Isabel Chatterton, Director General of ADB's Private Sector Operations Department.
Quote from the LHoFT Foundation
"It's a World first initiative. A Development Bank partnering with a Fintech Accelerator, to drive financial inclusion and social impact, by investing first hand in innovative fintechs, it's bold, it's unique. The NextFin Asia Fund is the result of the trust from Luxembourg's Government and ADB's towards the Catapult SE Asia program. And it definitely reflects the amazing quality of the entrepreneurs and partners taking part in it. I am confident that NextFin Asia will become the key catalyst for inclusive finance and innovation in Asia. And we are very excited at the LHoFT to take part in such an endeavor," said Alex Panican, Deputy CEO of the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology - LHoFT.
A Program Designed to Scale Impact
Catapult SE Asia 3.0 will offer:
- Tailored acceleration and mentoring
- Direct access to institutional partners and regional stakeholders
- Exposure to investors and potential co-investors
- Investment opportunities through the NextFin Asia Fund
The program continues to act as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe, fostering cross-regional collaboration and enabling fintechs to scale solutions that address the needs of underserved populations.
Applications
Fintech startups actively operating in or targeting Southeast Asia are invited to apply. Eligible sectors include (but are not limited to): Digital Payments, Financial Inclusion, Climate and Green Finance, InsurTech, AgriTech, SME Finance, RegTech and Digital Infrastructure.
Applicants must be based in or active within ASEAN countries, with business stages ranging from MVP to growth-stage companies. Funding stages from pre-seed to Series A are accepted.
Application details and timeline will be announced soon.
For updates, follow us on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft
APPLY HERE: https://lhoft.com/programs/catapult-acceleration-programs/catapult-financial-inclusion/catapult-inclusion-asia/3rd-edition-2026-asia/
Follow us on LinkedIn for updates throughout the program:
www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft
About the LHoFT Foundation
The LHoFT Foundation is a public-private sector initiative that drives technology innovation for Luxembourg's financial services industry, connecting the domestic and international fintech community to develop solutions that shape the world of tomorrow. The LHoFT Foundation offers an innovation platform that provides fintech startups with access to talent, expertise, funding, and market opportunities. The LHoFT Foundation also works with government agencies, regulators, and industry associations to foster a supportive and inclusive fintech ecosystem in Luxembourg.
For more information, please visit: https://lhoft.com/
About the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
For more information, please visit: https://www.adb.org/
About ADB Ventures
ADB Ventures is the venture arm of the Asian Development Bank, supporting technology-driven startups that deliver measurable social, climate, and development impact across Asia and the Pacific. It provides early-stage capital, strategic support, and access to ADB's network, helping startups scale innovative solutions in sectors such as inclusive fintech, climate tech, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy. By crowding-in private capital for sustainable development, ADB Ventures accelerates progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals in emerging markets.
For more information, please visit: https://ventures.adb.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
NextFin Asia: A New Dedicated Fund for the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia Program to Further Scale Inclusive Finance Fintechs in ASEAN
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BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened, marking the brand's bold arrival in Australasia and Radisson Hotel Group's highly anticipated debut in New Zealand. Anchored in the heart of Auckland's Arts District, the hotel infuses bold design, artistic energy and the country's largest rooftop space into one of the city's most creative precincts.
Located at 33 Lorne Street, Radisson RED Auckland is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar seamlessly connected to dynamic rooftop event spaces, setting the scene for bold social moments above the city. As one of Auckland's few pet-friendly hotels, it welcomes guests to bring their four-legged companions along for the stay. Design-driven and community-minded, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern hospitality in the heart of the Central Business District.
A hotel built for Auckland's creative heartbeat
Radisson RED Auckland channels the theatrical pulse of the surrounding Art District straight into its public spaces and guest experience. The hotel features 322 guest rooms and suites, bold gallery-style installations, immersive lighting, and sensory design moments inspired by Auckland's creative culture, performance arts, and urban energy.
The central location puts guests just minutes from major attractions including the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island and the West Coast beaches. Some of the city's best cafés and restaurants are right on the doorstep, creating an effortless base for both leisure and business travelers.
"Radisson RED thrives in cities fueled by creativity, culture, and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly. This opening marks a major milestone for our growth in Australasia and a proud moment for our upper-upscale Radisson RED brand, which brings a playful twist to the conventional. As Radisson Hotel Group's debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we can't wait for everyone to see Auckland in RED and experience a hotel bursting with energy, design, and unforgettable moments," says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group.
A bold, theatrical take on Auckland's arts culture
Radisson RED Auckland's design blends attitude with artistry. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights. Lounge seating draws inspiration from opera boxes. Contemporary installation pieces nod to the city's vibrant gallery scene. Guest rooms echo an actor's dressing room, layered textures, expressive colours, curated artwork and sensory lighting that sets the tone the moment guests walk in.
Higher-floor rooms offer skyline views, while the Suite Panorama presents sweeping vistas of Auckland City, Albert Park, and the harbour.
Social spaces shaped for connection
Radisson RED Auckland offers guests a vibrant all-day dining venue and bar for relaxed, casual moments. It's soon to open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar set to be the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, boasts sweeping open-air views of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, positioning it as one of the city's most engaging bar destinations. From bespoke cocktail evenings to dynamic social gatherings, the rooftop offers a striking setting for memorable dining experiences and events, reflecting the hotel's bold, design-led approach to hospitality.
The outlet reflects RED's love for Share & Connect, a concept where food, music, and mixology create the spark for natural interaction and community. With spacious zones and state-of-the-art equipment guests can also stay active in Radisson RED Auckland's fitness centre open daily from 5AM to 11PM.
A rooftop built for play, performance, and possibility
Perched above the city and with capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail style setup, this rooftop stands out as a series of meeting and event spaces designed to feel a creative playground, perfect for celebrations, live performances, popups, weddings, and business sessions alike. The venue can be configured into four flexible rooms, each filled with natural light, allowing it to shift effortlessly from polished corporate functions to relaxed social occasions.
"Opening Radisson RED Auckland marks an exciting new chapter for the city, one that celebrates creativity, connection, and a bold new way to experience hospitality. We've designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than a place to stay, it's a creative hub where locals and travelers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city's culture, color, and energy from the moment they arrive. Every space has been shaped to spark inspiration, encourage connection, and bring a sense of play back into travel. We're proud to open our doors and introduce a fresh, dynamic experience to Auckland, one that reflects the spirit of the city and the attitude of RED," concludes Reinout Engel, General Manager, Radisson RED Auckland.
For more information or to book, click here.
Download high-resolution pictures here.
ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.
The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.
At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.
The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X
ABOUT RADISSON RED
Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to meet the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.
Radisson RED is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson RED on:
LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X
BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened, marking the brand's bold arrival in Australasia and Radisson Hotel Group's highly anticipated debut in New Zealand. Anchored in the heart of Auckland's Arts District, the hotel infuses bold design, artistic energy and the country's largest rooftop space into one of the city's most creative precincts.
Located at 33 Lorne Street, Radisson RED Auckland is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar seamlessly connected to dynamic rooftop event spaces, setting the scene for bold social moments above the city. As one of Auckland's few pet-friendly hotels, it welcomes guests to bring their four-legged companions along for the stay. Design-driven and community-minded, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern hospitality in the heart of the Central Business District.
A hotel built for Auckland's creative heartbeat
Radisson RED Auckland channels the theatrical pulse of the surrounding Art District straight into its public spaces and guest experience. The hotel features 322 guest rooms and suites, bold gallery-style installations, immersive lighting, and sensory design moments inspired by Auckland's creative culture, performance arts, and urban energy.
The central location puts guests just minutes from major attractions including the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island and the West Coast beaches. Some of the city's best cafés and restaurants are right on the doorstep, creating an effortless base for both leisure and business travelers.
"Radisson RED thrives in cities fueled by creativity, culture, and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly. This opening marks a major milestone for our growth in Australasia and a proud moment for our upper-upscale Radisson RED brand, which brings a playful twist to the conventional. As Radisson Hotel Group's debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we can't wait for everyone to see Auckland in RED and experience a hotel bursting with energy, design, and unforgettable moments," says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group.
A bold, theatrical take on Auckland's arts culture
Radisson RED Auckland's design blends attitude with artistry. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights. Lounge seating draws inspiration from opera boxes. Contemporary installation pieces nod to the city's vibrant gallery scene. Guest rooms echo an actor's dressing room, layered textures, expressive colours, curated artwork and sensory lighting that sets the tone the moment guests walk in.
Higher-floor rooms offer skyline views, while the Suite Panorama presents sweeping vistas of Auckland City, Albert Park, and the harbour.
Social spaces shaped for connection
Radisson RED Auckland offers guests a vibrant all-day dining venue and bar for relaxed, casual moments. It's soon to open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar set to be the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, boasts sweeping open-air views of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, positioning it as one of the city's most engaging bar destinations. From bespoke cocktail evenings to dynamic social gatherings, the rooftop offers a striking setting for memorable dining experiences and events, reflecting the hotel's bold, design-led approach to hospitality.
The outlet reflects RED's love for Share & Connect, a concept where food, music, and mixology create the spark for natural interaction and community. With spacious zones and state-of-the-art equipment guests can also stay active in Radisson RED Auckland's fitness centre open daily from 5AM to 11PM.
A rooftop built for play, performance, and possibility
Perched above the city and with capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail style setup, this rooftop stands out as a series of meeting and event spaces designed to feel a creative playground, perfect for celebrations, live performances, popups, weddings, and business sessions alike. The venue can be configured into four flexible rooms, each filled with natural light, allowing it to shift effortlessly from polished corporate functions to relaxed social occasions.
"Opening Radisson RED Auckland marks an exciting new chapter for the city, one that celebrates creativity, connection, and a bold new way to experience hospitality. We've designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than a place to stay, it's a creative hub where locals and travelers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city's culture, color, and energy from the moment they arrive. Every space has been shaped to spark inspiration, encourage connection, and bring a sense of play back into travel. We're proud to open our doors and introduce a fresh, dynamic experience to Auckland, one that reflects the spirit of the city and the attitude of RED," concludes Reinout Engel, General Manager, Radisson RED Auckland.
For more information or to book, click here.
Download high-resolution pictures here.
ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.
The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.
At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.
The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X
ABOUT RADISSON RED
Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to meet the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.
Radisson RED is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson RED on:
LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Radisson RED Auckland marks Radisson Hotel Group's bold debut in New Zealand
Radisson RED Auckland marks Radisson Hotel Group's bold debut in New Zealand
