Published Online:June 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Case Folio
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJCF020625
DOI:10.71329/CaseFolio/2025.25.2.41-56
Author Name:Syeda Maseeha Qumer
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:41-56
This case demonstrates how Shenzhen-based WeBank Co., Ltd. (WeBank) has accelerated financial inclusion in China by providing cost-effective, accessible, suitable, and sustainable financial services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as to unbanked and underbanked individuals in China. WeBank leveraged leading-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and big data to develop a matrix of distinctive and differentiated digital financial products and services, which enabled MSMEs as well as those members of the general public whose financial requirements were not met by conventional and state-owned banks to enjoy equal access to financial services. WeBank’s technologydriven approach enabled it to significantly lower its IT costs, contributing to a shorter breakeven period and more sustainable growth. As of 2022, it had over 360 million individual customers, making it the digital-only bank with the most extensive customer base in the world. As WeBank continued to drive financial inclusion in China and grow, the challenges David Ku, Chairman and CEO of WeBank, and his team could encounter include attracting and retaining customers, building customer trust, reaching greater scale and profitability, strengthening core technology, adhering to strict government regulations, beating the competition in the fintech space, and enabling the financial inclusion of low-income segments of society.
In April 2023, Shenzhen-based WeBank Co., Ltd. (WeBank), one of the world’s largest digital-only banks, was named the Asian Banker’s1 2023 Best Global Digital-Only Bank in recognition of its exceptional fintech technology, innovation capabilities, and robust, inclusive financial services (Refer to Exhibit I). In addition, WeBank bagged two other awards, namely, Best Digital-Only Bank in Asia Pacific and Best Chatbot/ Voice Banking Servicei