“Put lipstick on a pig, and it’s still a pig,” says de Oude. In a wide-ranging interview, the founder-CEO reflects on the withdrawal crisis that shook the fintech in 2025, the lessons he took from it, and why Hong Kong expansion is the first stop on a very long road.
True
chocolate finance
Bitter chocolate: The fallout of a poorly planned promo on Chocolate Finance's reputation
brand backlash
brand crisis
chocolate finance
pr crisis
The fintech’s abrupt restrictions on withdrawals and debit card spending have triggered a backlash, denting its reputation in Singapore.
Sweet disruption: Chocolate Finance shakes up Singapore’s banking scene
banking
branding
chocolate finance
Campaign explores how Singapore’s newest digital banking entrant is using bold branding, Henry Golding as its ambassador, and simple offerings to carve out space in a crowded market and capture Gen Z’s attention.