Financial confidence among Asians weakens steadily with age, with young adults posting the highest wellbeing scores and older groups showing the sharpest decline, according to new regional research released by Prudential plc.

The company’s inaugural Financial Wellbeing Index, published on Thursday, March 5, surveyed 7,707 adults aged 18 to 60 across eight Asian markets, including the Philippines. The overall financial wellbeing score for Asia stands at 58.9 out of 100, measured across four dimensions: present financial security, future financial security, present financial freedom, and future financial freedom.

The study found that respondents aged 18 to 35 recorded the highest financial wellbeing score at 59.8. This dropped to 58.2 for those aged 36 to 49, and further to 57.7 among individuals aged 50 to 60, indicating that financial confidence and preparedness decline as people age. Prudential noted that younger adults tend to be more optimistic about their financial future but still worry about job stability and family health, while older respondents expressed growing concern over health deterioration and surging living costs, including food, utilities, transport, and other essentials.

In the regional rankings, the Philippines recorded an overall financial wellbeing score of 55 out of 100. This figure places the country below the regional average and highlights specific vulnerabilities in financial preparedness. Despite the resilience often associated with Filipino households, only 18 percent of respondents in the Philippines strongly agree they have access to the financial services and products they need for success. This lack of access to formal financial tools remains a primary barrier to building long-term security and achieving the “freedom of choice” defined by the index.

Prudential also highlighted a significant gap between current financial stability and preparedness for the future. Present financial security scored a relatively high 61.7, while future financial freedom lagged at 55.2. Only 34 percent of Asians surveyed said they expect to stop working upon retirement, fewer than half, 47 percent, feel secure when thinking about their financial future, and only 45 percent believe they could handle a major unexpected expense. The gap widens with age, underscoring the need for early financial planning and continuous financial education.

Angel Ng, Prudential greater China’s regional chief executive officer (CEO) for group customer, wealth, and product, said financial planning must accompany individuals across life stages. “Longer lifespans across Asia are transforming expectations around financial wellbeing. Customers today are looking beyond financial products—they want confidence, clarity, and a partner who would guide them towards a future that they can genuinely look forward to,” Ng said. “At Prudential, we believe financial planning is not just about preparing for later years; it is about enabling wellbeing at every stage of life.”

To help address gaps in financial literacy, Prudential highlighted its Cha-Ching program, which has reached more than four million students and teachers in Asia and Africa over the past decade. A new digital-first financial education program for adults is now being developed.

The Financial Wellbeing Index covers Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Surveys were conducted from September to December 2025.