This study examines the causal relationship between financial development, liberalization and economic growth through technological innovation channel in five South East Asia countries during the period 1980–2012, using a fully modified ordinary least square estimation technique. We find that technological deepening is driven by deepening in the financial system and financial liberalization rather than changes in a country’s market capitalization. We also find a negative effect from the financial openness, and a positive effect from financial deregulation.