PH represented by Filipina tech leaders at the 2025 Mobile World Congress

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Filipina tech leaders share perspectives on financial inclusion and how tech can be used to empower unserved and underserved communities in the Philippines

(L-R) Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association fintech vertical lead Brian Gorman, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon, e& Money CEO Melike Kara Tanrikulu, and Axian Group CEO Erwan Gelebart.

Two Filipina tech leaders from Mynt, the holding company of GCash, the #1 finance super app in the Philippines—Martha Sazon, president & CEO, and Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer—represented the country’s transformative adoption of connectivity, mobile tech, and the digital economy during the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain

Sazon and Sy once again brought GCash’s mission of “Finance For All” to a global audience, who highlighted how fintech innovations can be used for social good—from increasing access to essential financial services within historically underserved communities to leveraging cutting-edge fintech developments to drive meaningful change and economic empowerment.

Redefining the super app

Martha Sazon was part of the MWC CEO Panel, “Fintech and Mobile Commerce Summit: Powering Mobile First Commerce,” which explored how companies like GCash can enhance the leapfrog effect of tech and artificial intelligence to address barriers to financial inclusion.

Sazon discussed how GCash first set out to meet an increased demand for seamless, mobile-first solutions among Filipinos as a money transfer app—but then went on to elevate its services by establishing a diverse and wide-ranging financial ecosystem that actively caters to unbanked and traditionally underserved sectors.

“Our money transfer services were the gateway to a broader digital economy. Across the years, and in response to our users’ needs, GCash has broadened its functionalities into a comprehensive selection of financial services, including savings, investments, insurance, and banking," explained Sazon. "Our work has empowered individuals to take control of their financial well-being and pursue economic opportunities previously out of reach, all from the convenience of their mobile phones.”

Sazon stressed that the key to the digital financial ecosystem’s success is how it focused on addressing systemic issues and the limits of traditional financial institutions: GCash aimed to break down fundamental barriers to inclusion, which included lack of infrastructure, lack of avenues for boosting financial literacy, and the lack of progressive solutions that allow for widespread access to services.

Today, GCash has accelerated financial inclusion in the Philippines, helping raise the number of customers with access to a bank account from 29% to 65%, those with access to formal credit from 2% to 8%, and those with access to insurance from 23% to 51%, all in four years.

The features of GCash range from payments and transfers that make online and offline commerce easier to lending solutions that utilize AI. A groundbreaking example of the latter is GCash’s in-house credit scoring model, GScore, which uses transactional behavior as a proxy for measuring a user’s creditworthiness and has ultimately changed the landscape of microlending.

GScore, in particular, has allowed GCash to disburse roughly $3.2 billion by 2024 to over seven million Filipinos, most of whom are women from underserved sectors. Its suite of solutions also includes tools for wealth management, with the company introducing bite-sized financial offerings to match the “sachet economy” of the Philippines.

“The conventional super app is defined as having multiple features in a single platform, but for us, a super app means being an everyday companion,” said Sazon. “It’s about constant innovation: We look at our daily use cases and find ways to make things better.”

Using fintech for empowerment

In addition to opening doors for the underbanked and underserved, GCash invests in innovations, such as APIs (application programming interfaces), which allowed it to connect and collaborate with service partners to deliver personalized solutions. These, in turn, have boosted the super app's capabilities in catering to a multitude of diverse, and personalized needs of its users.

During the "Platform Economy" MWC panel, which focused on increasing access to financial services through everyday apps and fintech ecosystems, Pebbles Sy shared how GCash's API integration has been a key factor in expanding reach and improving user experience.

She also noted how this approach has necessitated the continuous adoption and development of modular and reusable features that must work well with other app components: “Today, we’re connecting thousands of microservices on our platform through APIs. We also use APIs to connect with external partners like merchants and other service providers.”

According to Sy, when financial services are seamlessly integrated, they become second nature for its users. Thanks to APIs, GCash connects users with 1,200 billers and 17 insurers within the app, as well as with four partner banks for savings accounts and to a platform that enables Filipinos to invest with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Sy added, “This is where embedded finance goes beyond just inclusion. It’s not just about providing access to financial services; it’s about making them work for people [as they] build better financial habits, protect what they earn, and plan for the future.

The future is now for fintech

Meanwhile, during the MWC's "The Currency of Change" session—which discussed how mobile money contributes to GDP growth and how financial innovations drive economic development—Sy emphasized the importance of aligning the future of fintech with strategies for ensuring the security and sustainability of innovations.

Citing Google’s e-Conomy Southeast Asia Report in collaboration with Temasek and Bain & Company, she shared that the Philippines emerged as the fastest-growing digital economy in the ASEAN region, where mobile money penetration more than quadrupled in the two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements highlight the profound economic impact of mobile money in the Philippines, which GCash is ready to safeguard and facilitate further.

She added, “At the end of the day, the goal is clear: We must make financial services accessible, safe, and empowering. We want to go beyond inclusion and see financial progress in Filipinos, which hopefully can [translate into] financial health and freedom.”

Filipina tech leaders share perspectives on financial inclusion and how tech can be used to empower unserved and underserved communities in the Philippines

Two Filipina tech leaders from Mynt, the holding company of GCash, the #1 finance super app in the Philippines—Martha Sazon, president & CEO, and Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer—represented the country’s transformative adoption of connectivity, mobile tech, and the digital economy during the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain

Sazon and Sy once again brought GCash’s mission of “Finance For All” to a global audience, who highlighted how fintech innovations can be used for social good—from increasing access to essential financial services within historically underserved communities to leveraging cutting-edge fintech developments to drive meaningful change and economic empowerment.

Redefining the super app

Martha Sazon was part of the MWC CEO Panel, “Fintech and Mobile Commerce Summit: Powering Mobile First Commerce,” which explored how companies like GCash can enhance the leapfrog effect of tech and artificial intelligence to address barriers to financial inclusion.

Sazon discussed how GCash first set out to meet an increased demand for seamless, mobile-first solutions among Filipinos as a money transfer app—but then went on to elevate its services by establishing a diverse and wide-ranging financial ecosystem that actively caters to unbanked and traditionally underserved sectors.

“Our money transfer services were the gateway to a broader digital economy. Across the years, and in response to our users’ needs, GCash has broadened its functionalities into a comprehensive selection of financial services, including savings, investments, insurance, and banking," explained Sazon. "Our work has empowered individuals to take control of their financial well-being and pursue economic opportunities previously out of reach, all from the convenience of their mobile phones.”

Sazon stressed that the key to the digital financial ecosystem’s success is how it focused on addressing systemic issues and the limits of traditional financial institutions: GCash aimed to break down fundamental barriers to inclusion, which included lack of infrastructure, lack of avenues for boosting financial literacy, and the lack of progressive solutions that allow for widespread access to services.

Today, GCash has accelerated financial inclusion in the Philippines, helping raise the number of customers with access to a bank account from 29% to 65%, those with access to formal credit from 2% to 8%, and those with access to insurance from 23% to 51%, all in four years.

The features of GCash range from payments and transfers that make online and offline commerce easier to lending solutions that utilize AI. A groundbreaking example of the latter is GCash’s in-house credit scoring model, GScore, which uses transactional behavior as a proxy for measuring a user’s creditworthiness and has ultimately changed the landscape of microlending.

GScore, in particular, has allowed GCash to disburse roughly $3.2 billion by 2024 to over seven million Filipinos, most of whom are women from underserved sectors. Its suite of solutions also includes tools for wealth management, with the company introducing bite-sized financial offerings to match the “sachet economy” of the Philippines.

“The conventional super app is defined as having multiple features in a single platform, but for us, a super app means being an everyday companion,” said Sazon. “It’s about constant innovation: We look at our daily use cases and find ways to make things better.”

Using fintech for empowerment

In addition to opening doors for the underbanked and underserved, GCash invests in innovations, such as APIs (application programming interfaces), which allowed it to connect and collaborate with service partners to deliver personalized solutions. These, in turn, have boosted the super app's capabilities in catering to a multitude of diverse, and personalized needs of its users.

During the "Platform Economy" MWC panel, which focused on increasing access to financial services through everyday apps and fintech ecosystems, Pebbles Sy shared how GCash's API integration has been a key factor in expanding reach and improving user experience.

She also noted how this approach has necessitated the continuous adoption and development of modular and reusable features that must work well with other app components: “Today, we’re connecting thousands of microservices on our platform through APIs. We also use APIs to connect with external partners like merchants and other service providers.”

According to Sy, when financial services are seamlessly integrated, they become second nature for its users. Thanks to APIs, GCash connects users with 1,200 billers and 17 insurers within the app, as well as with four partner banks for savings accounts and to a platform that enables Filipinos to invest with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Sy added, “This is where embedded finance goes beyond just inclusion. It’s not just about providing access to financial services; it’s about making them work for people [as they] build better financial habits, protect what they earn, and plan for the future.”

The future is now for fintech

Meanwhile, during the MWC's "The Currency of Change" session—which discussed how mobile money contributes to GDP growth and how financial innovations drive economic development—Sy emphasized the importance of aligning the future of fintech with strategies for ensuring the security and sustainability of innovations.

Citing Google’s e-Conomy Southeast Asia Report in collaboration with Temasek and Bain & Company, she shared that the Philippines emerged as the fastest-growing digital economy in the ASEAN region, where mobile money penetration more than quadrupled in the two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements highlight the profound economic impact of mobile money in the Philippines, which GCash is ready to safeguard and facilitate further.

She added, “At the end of the day, the goal is clear: We must make financial services accessible, safe, and empowering. We want to go beyond inclusion and see financial progress in Filipinos, which hopefully can [translate into] financial health and freedom.”

Protect your personal data with these friendly reminders from UnaCash

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As fintech adoption continues to rise in the Philippines, financial services increasingly serve a role in addressing vulnerabilities and safeguarding information in the evolving digital landscape.

Data breaches, fraud, and identity theft are amongst these significant challenges, especially in a digital environment where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in the digital ecosystem. Amid this rapid digital advancement, there is a rising concern on data protection and application of security measures. Survey data released by Statista in 2024 revealed that 50% of respondents reported being targeted by phishing attacks, while 42% encountered smishing, a type of fraud scheme carried out through text messages.

Considering this, and as the global business landscape commemorates Data Privacy Day on January 28, a heightened awareness to combat these challenges and a recurring prompt highlighting the importance of taking proactive measures in safeguarding personal data are necessary

Moreover, financial services are the bearer of not only offering secure platforms, but also educating consumers on how to manage good financial hygiene. UnaCash takes a proactive approach by integrating both. The focus is to empower consumers to actively seek steps on understanding digital risks and become vigilant against potential threats, all the while learning how to choose a platform that demonstrates a commitment to security.

Here are detailed recommendations from UnaCash to support Filipino consumers on the best practices for safeguarding personal data.

Use strong and unique passwords. One of the most effective ways to protect online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. Ensure that the corresponding accounts per platform uses a different password to guarantee that they are individually protected.

Enable two-factor authentication. Make sure to enable the two-factor authentication (2FA) on your financial apps and online accounts to add an extra layer of security. The second verification step, such as a one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile device or email, helps reduce the chances of unauthorized access for the account.

Learn to identify and beware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are one of the most common ways where personal information is obtained illegally. These can appear as emails, social media posts, or SMS messages from seemingly legitimate companies. Always double-check the source of any communication and avoid clicking unfamiliar links. Upon receiving one, you can immediately visit the official website of the company or inform their customer service to verify its authenticity.

Make regular updates on your software and apps. Updates ensure that security vulnerabilities are mitigated against potential hacking attempts. These updates often contain important security patches that can help you protect your data against emerging threats and keep your digital environment secure.

Always monitor personal transactions. Track transaction histories for any unusual activity or discrepancies. For unauthorized changes, immediately report to the service provider to ensure that the account remains protected from fraud.

"We have witnessed the digital landscape rapidly evolve in recent years. Financial solutions like us advocate consistently on educating consumers on how to practice good financial hygiene, and of course, navigate the digital space safely,” said Sean Plantado, channel manager of UnaCash. “We want our customers to be better equipped to safeguard their personal information, regardless of what platform they are using.”

The Commitment to Secure Data by UnaCash

Consumers belonging in the GenZ bracket are increasingly entering the marketplace, highlighting the need for robust data protection since this generation is a significant player in the retail space. Statista indicates that vulnerabilities can impact individuals as early as 18 years of age, matching the analysis from UnaCash where 23 million working-age individuals in Southeast Asia will be poised as primary contributors in the digital economy by 2030. With this emerging consumer base, the financial services reinforces its mission to provide a secure and informed financial platform for its client-base.

Below is a list of simple practices of UnaCash to promote data privacy protection:

● Advanced security features. Integration of encryption, a multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated fraud detection team to ensure that user data remains protected against cyber threats.

● Continuous consumer education. The data source and storage is found only in the UnaCash app, which consumers are responsible when it comes to and encourages users to generate a pin to open their account apart from the one-time password (OTP) authentication process.

● Responsive support. A dedicated customer support team ensures that users have access to timely assistance, be it in the physical store or through the UnaCash communication channels. This applies to suspicious activity or even resolving account concerns, a swift and effective support is being prioritized.

● Compliance on data privacy security measures. UnaCash is compliant with the NPC, adhering to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and is continuously implementing data protection protocols. There are consistent security assessments to uphold the transparency and accountability in handling every customer’s data. Alongside this, UnaCash never stores application details physically or digitally through any other platform aside from its app to protect its overall storage location.

“It is important to highlight that awareness on financial security goes hand-in-hand with the broader goal of protecting personal data. A financially literate consumer is most likely to use secure platforms, easily identify risks, and take proactive steps to protect their respective data. UnaCash remains committed to fostering a culture of security and trust, ensuring that Filipino customers are confident with their financial journey without compromising their personal information in the digital space,” Plantado concluded.

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About UnaCash

UnaCash offers people-centric, in-app and in-store digital financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Filipinos. Its ‘Buy now, Pay later’ service has been upgraded to include point-of-sale loans, accessible via online and in-store partner merchants.

With the help of analytics and data-driven technologies, UnaCash is driven to continuously improve products and develop new services that will bridge critical financial gaps in the Philippines. The UnaCash app is available through the Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery.

UnaCash services have been recognized by outstanding organizations from 2023 to 2024, namely the Global Business Magazine, The Global Economics, Global Business & Finance Magazine, International Finance, Retail Banker International, World Business Outlook, and The Digital Banker.

Skyro officially launches its credit line product Skyro Pocket

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Skyro, a fast-growing fintech brand in the Philippines, has officially launched its new credit line product, Skyro Pocket. This latest offering from the brand provides customers with a swift and convenient payment solution, enabling them to shop at any QR Ph-enabled merchants nationwide.

Skyro Pocket serves as a flexible line of virtual credit provided exclusively to existing Skyro customers, offering personalized limits and accessible through the Skyro app. These credit limits can be further increased based on the customer’s timely repayment patterns and track record.

This new feature is compatible with a wide range of QR Ph codes, enabling customers to conveniently make payments at any store. Whether it's a printed or virtual QR code, Skyro Pocket accommodates both modalities. This compatibility extends to popular e-payment platforms such as GCash, Maya, or BDO QR codes, ensuring integration with various merchants and payment systems.

Arsen Liametov, co-founder and co-CEO of Skyro, shared his excitement: “Skyro Pocket empowers our customers to shop with ease, flexibility, and peace of mind while rewarding responsible financial behavior. We at Skyro are committed to pushing the boundaries of financial technology, empowering users and the Filipino community to thrive in today's digital economy.”

Eligible customers may enjoy an interest-free period of up to 45 days, allowing convenient repayments without incurring charges. For those with remaining balances, the customers may opt to have a minimum payment equal to 10 percent of their credit limit. Additionally, customers can make a free deposit once every month to settle their credit line balance, with subsequent deposits each incurring a nominal transaction fee of ₱25.

Access Skyro Pocket in just a few easy steps:

●       Navigate to the Skyro app and locate the Skyro Pocket feature.

●       Review the loan agreement and confirm by checking the box.

●     Click the "Sign the Agreement" button and enter the SMS code received on your registered mobile number.

Sergey Donskikh, Skyro's head of customer experience, underscored the company's dedication to delivering financial solutions that elevate both financial management and the shopping journey. He expressed, “At Skyro, ensuring seamless and innovative financial solutions is central to our mission. We're committed to providing a satisfying customer experience that transcends mere financial transactions, extending to enhancing their overall shopping experience as well.”

Skyro Pocket users may also enjoy the first six months free of charge, followed by a nominal fee of ₱ 59 per month thereafter.

Skyro is a fintech company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  To learn more about digital financial products from Skyro, visit its official website www.skyro.ph. Follow its official Facebook and Instagram accounts to know more about its latest promos and offerings.

Skyro reports strong 2023 performance, expected to triple in 2024 as it expands digital financial offerings for Filipinos

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Skyro, a fast-growing fintech provider in the Philippines, continues its commitment to transform the local financial landscape by delivering accessible and affordable digital financial solutions to Filipinos.

Skyro is committed to empowering more Filipinos by offering a range of digital consumer finance products such as product loans, cash loans, and other lending products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of Filipino consumers. These solutions offer a streamlined process, competitive rates, and diverse payment options, providing customers with flexibility and convenience.

Achievements and Business Performance in 2023

In just under two years since its inception as a fintech startup, Skyro has achieved significant milestones and business performance in the fintech industry by the end of last year.

Skyro has recorded significant growth in both applications and usage as it gains traction among new markets and diverse user groups. Notably, in 2023 alone, Skyro achieved an average Compound Monthly Growth Rate of 50%, a testament to the rapid trust and adoption placed in the company’s innovative financial solutions.

Skyro's mobile app had an increase in its number of new and active users by 82.5%, leading to a proportional rise in total app downloads and usage. The brand has grown its network with over 500 partner merchants and a presence in over 2,500 stores nationwide. It has also expanded its workforce from less than a hundred to more than a thousand employees.

Its product loan solution has shown exceptional growth in 2023, generating substantial results more than its initial value. Similarly, the cross-sell products have delivered remarkable outcomes in usage.

Outstanding Performance Under Expert Leadership

Skyro’s co-founders and co-CEOs Nasim Aliev and Arsen Liametov have been instrumental in the company's growth and success.

With a strong experience in financial technology and business development, Aliev oversees key areas such as sales, partnerships, marketing, and customer acquisition, garnering trust from both customers and partners. On the other hand, Liametov is focused on optimizing Skyro's offerings, utilizing his extensive understanding of fintech products and operations. His main areas of expertise include ensuring smooth integration and efficient functioning of Skyro's digital services, all with the goal of meeting market demands while delivering maximum value to Filipino customers.

"At Skyro, our mission is to bring joy into every interaction our customers have with our financial products," shared Nasim Aliev. "We prioritize accessibility, simplicity, and flexibility, supported by an exceptional customer experience. By leveraging a compelling model, we've managed to reduce risk two-fold while achieving profitability, showcasing our strategic foresight and commitment to sustainable growth. We want to create a future where every Filipino has access to the right financial tools and knowledge for achieving success.”

Liametov added, "Our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. With a focus on continuous improvement and expansion, we're poised to reach new heights in 2024 and beyond. Skyro is committed to empowering individuals with the financial solutions that would cater to their ever-evolving needs and lifestyles."

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Liametov said, "As we anticipate the year ahead, we're filled with optimism, expecting even greater growth and impact for Skyro."

Skyro aims to continue its impressive trajectory into 2024, with expectations of tripling its growth and onboarding half a million customers by the year's end. This ambitious goal underscores Skyro's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the digital financial landscape of the Philippines, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry's evolution.

Skyro is a fintech company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To learn more about digital financial products from Skyro, visit its official website www.skyro.ph. Follow its official Facebook and Instagram accounts to know more about its latest promos and offerings.

About Skyro
Skyro is a fast-growing fintech company based in the Philippines, offering a range of digital consumer finance products such as product loans, cash loans, and other lending products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of Filipino consumers. Launched in August 2022, Skyro has since grown to encompass over 2,500 partner merchant stores and serve nearly 200,000 customers in just under two years of operations in the country.

Focused primarily on digital consumer lending products, Skyro has rapidly emerged as a trusted name in the Philippines, catering to the evolving needs of the market. It is backed by Breeze Ventures, a Singapore-based global fintech venture that is expanding into the fast-growing and emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

Skyro's local operations are powered by Advanced Financial Solutions, Inc. and Jungle Lending, Inc., which are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines. Learn more about Skyro through www.skyro.ph

 

Top self-service payment kiosk provider in the Philippines bullish on outlook in 2024

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eTap Inc., the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the country with 70% of the market share is bullish on its outlook in 2024.

The people behind the wholly-Filipino owned company noted that innovations and its passionate commitment to reach out and tap the unbanked segment of the PH population propelled the company to be the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the Philippines today.

(R-L) Mr. Percy Hernandez, President and CEO of eTap, Inc. with Mr. Marlon Portugal eTap, Inc. COO shared about the plans of the country’s leading self-service kiosk provider in the country, at the launch held in Mandaluyong City.

Leveraging on eight years of groundbreaking solutions, eTap Inc. has consistently stood as the number one choice by leading brands providing accessible and convenient financial services in the country.

"At eTap, we believe in the transformative power of technology to uplift communities. Our self-service payment kiosk system is more than a convenience; it's a gateway to financial independence for the unbanked. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to ensure that every individual feels supported on their financial journey," shares Percy Hernandez, CEO of eTap Inc.

Founded in 2015, eTap Inc. has been guided by a dedicated team of visionaries committed to shaping the future of financial accessibility. The faces behind eTap are passionate advocates for financial inclusivity and innovation zeroing in on the unbanked sector of the PH population.

eTap is passionate about creating solutions that cater to the unbanked lower sector, ensuring financial services are within reach for all. eTap Inc.'s self-service payment kiosk system offers a wide range of services, from bill payments to ticketing, providing users with an intuitive and efficient way to conduct transactions. The user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience, making it accessible to all demographics.

It is dedicated to shaping the future of seamless transactions with its state-of-the-art self-service payment kiosk system. Leveraging innovative technology, eTap Inc. aims to simplify and enhance the customer payment experience across various sectors. In 2024, eTap will further expand to reach out to the unbanked from far flung communities.

To complement its wide range of self-service payment kiosk system, eTap Inc. formed its subsidiary, eTap Solutions; which is dedicated to deploying and operating its own machines for the retail, food, services, and transport industries to fast-urbanizing cities nationwide. eTap Solutions is poised to set a new benchmark for reliability and functionality in the industry.

For more information about eTap Inc., please visit etapmo.com.

More than an e-wallet: GCash equips MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy

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GCash, the Philippines’ number one financial super app, empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take on opportunities and navigate through the digital economy through its fintech solutions.

A local market vendor in Baguio benefiting from GCash’s effective fintech solutions

“This MSME month, GCash underscores its key role in helping businesses in the country level up through our extensive suite of digital financial services. From affordable lending for business expansion; business insurance to protect their assets and operations; as well as cashless transaction tools to help them reach more customers – GCash is evolving to becoming more than an e-wallet,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

GCash offers GLoan which provides instant cash loans to kickstart business goals; and GInsure, through Negosyo Insure of its partner, Malayan Insurance, to protect hard-earned investments. Business owners can also enjoy seamless payment experiences with Scan-To-Pay, enabling easy QR code payments offline.

Easy access to loans for entrepreneurs

GLoan boasts of an easy application process as it considers users’ in-app behavior to provide them with pre-approved loans. Eligible users can easily access GLoan and use the funds to start or expand their business.

35% of GCash’s borrower base are business owners and it’s looking at providing 1.5 million more informal sellers with lending solutions to help grow their business.

Business Protection made affordable and accessible

GCash also understands that starting businesses may be risky, that is why the super app has made available, via GInsure, Negosyo Insure, underwritten by Malayan Insurance and powered by Igloo. For as low as PHP525 per year, MSMEs can be assured of secure and insured business operations for accidents that may happen to them, their property, and even their money.

GInsure can easily be accessed through the GCash app, with minimal requirements and steps for processing.

Additional income made easy via GCash PO

GCash has also created a way for sari-sari store owners to grow their business by earning as much as Php 50,000 per month, through commissions or bonuses earned as a GCash Pera Outlet (PO). This not only enables small businesses to grow, but also helps locals have a convenient one-stop-shop in their communities so they may avail of GCash’s services such as Cash In, Cash Out, Pay Bills, and Send Money.

Signing up for this has been made simple in the GCash app - all one has to do is click “GCash PO” under business services on the GCash dashboard, fill up the application form and submit along with business registration. Approval will be released within five (5) to seven (7) business days.

“In line with our mission to achieve 'Finance for All', we make sure we are able to pave the way for our MSMEs to meet their business goals. To date, we are empowering 845,000 small-scale community merchants from public market vendors, to sari-sari store owners, and tricycle driver associations,” added Reyes.

GCash FutureCast Introduces 10 New Innovations That Bring The Future Of Fintech To All Filipinos

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GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App with over 79 million users who enjoy fast, safe, and convenient transactions online. Based on Data.ai, a reputable 3rd party platform, GCash is the #1 Finance Super App in the country with the most downloads, the highest Monthly Active Users, and even the highest Daily Active Users, as GCash is now part of their daily routines.

GCash FutureCast 2023: The Future of Fintech

First launched as an SMS platform in 2005 and later as a super app in 2012, GCash was the first to introduce the QR payment system in the country. It supported the digital migration of Filipinos during the pandemic, and now that the world has reopened, it expands its services to suit the changing needs of Filipinos in a global digital financial landscape.

At this year’s #GCashFutureCast event, GCash ushered in the future of Fintech through 10 ground-breaking innovations for every Filipino.

Tools for financial freedom

GCash has made wealth management products like savings, insurance, and investments easy and accessible. Now it introduces products to help people grow their wealth and to help them protect it.

GStocks PH is AB Capital Securities, Inc.'s (ABCSI) online retail securities trading services made accessible through the GCash app. Its user-friendly and simplified trading interface was designed through a collaboration with the Philippine Stock Exchange. Through GStocks PH, users can now trade stocks of over 280 local companies. GStocks PH will be available to more users soon.

GCrypto allows users to discover and explore the world of Crypto and NFTs. Users get access to curated NFT collections, like The House of OhLala by Filipino contemporary artist, Reen Barrera, on the GCrypto NFT Hub.  Buying and selling Crypto is also made easier with an exchange powered by PDAX, the Philippines’ leading homegrown cryptocurrency exchange.

GInsure Online Shopping Protect insurance offers users 60 days of coverage up to P20,000 for all their online purchases for just P34. The insurance covers scenarios when orders are not delivered, are accidentally damaged, are not as described, or are stolen. The insurance product, powered by Chubb, is embedded in the user’s online GCash payment journey across 1,500 online shops and platforms.

GCash goes global

Traveling Filipinos can now go cashless globally using GCash’s newest services. For overseas Filipinos, they can now use GCash to send money and support to their family back home.

GCash Global Pay allows Filipino travelers to do cross-border QR payments at Alipay+ merchants in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. This eliminates the hassle of paying with cash, or withdrawing money at ATMs where you can incur high service fees. It offers real-time Forex charging, with no service fees.

GCash Card gives travelers the advantage of real time Forex charging at low exchange rates and no service fees. With this, users can access their funds in a single tap at over 100 million shops across 200 countries and territories around the world through VISA’s expansive network.. This enables travelers to enjoy hassle-free shopping and dining experiences wherever they may be.  The new GCash card will be available later this year.

GCash Overseas allows overseas Filipinos in Japan, Australia, Italy and the USA to download GCash using international SIM cards. Now they can send money, buy load, and pay bills for their loved ones back home. They can enjoy the convenience of sending money for free with GCash to GCash transactions, saving them the cost of remittance fees. GCash also announced that it is now available in the UK and Canada.  GCash Overseas is currently on Beta and is limited to a number of users, but will expand to more users soon.

                                       Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer for GCash 

Michelle Fernandez, GCash Head of Digital Experience introducing the brands new GChat feature 

Borrowing made easier

GGives supports Filipinos with the ability to buy now, pay later with zero credit cards, zero additional documents, zero down payment, and now with zero interest at select merchants. GCash users are now free from the barriers normally associated with installment plans, for both in-store or online purchases.

Borrow Load will allow eligible users to borrow their favorite load promos today at zero cash out, giving them access to their preferred entertainment – even if they’re short on budget. They can now afford to access data-heavy apps with load promos valid for up to 7 days. Borrow Load will be rolling out to more users soon.

Sharing in the celebration for GCash’s 10 new groundbreaking innovations: GCash Head of Growth Marketing Fe Olivia Mir, GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Technology & Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, GCash Endorser - Joshua Garcia, GCash Chief Executive Officer Martha Sazon and GCash Head of New Business Winsley Bangit 

Improved security and user experience

GCash has taken steps to make transactions safer and more seamless through two new features:

GChat is a new, user-friendly messenger feature that makes it easier to chat and transact with contacts, share receipts instantly, and trace transaction histories. The feature makes it easier to search for conversations with friends, merchants or customers, while the Gigi and Advisories features allow users to get help anytime in real-time. GChat will be rolling out to users in the next few months.

DoubleSafe is the latest GCash security feature that prevents fraudsters from taking over accounts. It provides an additional layer of security on top of the 2-Factor Authentication and mobile pin (MPIN). DoubleSafe will be activated for every first login to a new mobile phone, and will use facial recognition to secure an account should the user inadvertently share their MPIN and OTP to fraudsters

GCash CEO Martha Sazon introducing GCash as the country’s #1 Finance Super App with over 79 million users 

At the FutureCast event, GCash CEO Martha Sazon said, “GCash has empowered and enabled every Filipino to remain hopeful and pursue progress. As the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and the first finance app to be a household name in the country, GCash is positioned to be everyone’s enabler to be future-ready. With the 10 new innovations at GCash, our hopes for a better tomorrow begins today.” 

Bayad and Cebuana Lhuillier Intensifies Partnership By Offering Real-Time Bills Payment Services

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Bayad, the trusted multi-channel payment platform provider in the Philippines and Meralco’s full service fintech subsidiary has intensified its partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the leading micro financial service provider companies in the Philippines. Through its proactive alliance, Bayad enables Meralco bills payment in over 3,000 Cebuana Lhuillier branches across the country.

Apart from Meralco, Cebuana Lhuillier targets to onboard more biller brands through Bayad’s extensive network of biller partners that will eventually extend across Cebuana Lhuillier’s digital platform, enabling an easier, more efficient, more convenient, and seamless one-stop shop solution for its clients.

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared “Bayad’s partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier ultimately amplifies our vision of elevating the quality of living of Filipinos as we usher in more real time bills payment services. We are committed to empower businesses like Cebuana Lhuillier by sharing our vision and strategy in advocating for digital financial inclusion”.

Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier also stressed. “Cebuana Lhuillier has always been committed to offer convenient micro financial solutions to our clients, and partnering with the biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform in the country will surely optimize one of our essential services. As we continue to expand our network and improve our digital payment facilities, we will provide our clients more convenient options for their bills payment needs.”

For fintech institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com or call at +63 998 963 7880. Bayad enables partners to attain a nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

UnionBank clients can now seamlessly do direct cash-in to their Shopee and Lazada wallets!

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UnionBank clients can now do their online shopping more conveniently through the country’s major e-commerce giants Shopee and Lazada -- by directly cashing-in their e-wallets. This new option opens another channel for Bank customers to do their online transactions seamlessly.

Surely, buying essentials online has never been this easy! Shopee and Lazada buyers can now easily cash-in, in real-time from their UnionBank accounts. Customers also enjoy discounts and added benefits with their online purchases, for every top-up transaction.

This was made possible with the collaboration of tech-savvy ShopeePay, Lazada Wallet and UnionBank, combining the power of three digital leaders.

“These partnerships are timely especially now at a time when e-commerce and cashless transactions are exponentially rising. This ensures Filipinos can participate in the headwinds of innovation and a better, more seamless customer experience as a result.” shared by Erika Denise Dizon, UnionBank FVP and Head of Fintech Business Group.

Here’s how it works. To cash-in your ShopeePay using UnionBank Online Banking, go to ShopeePay Wallet, select Cash-in, enter the amount, select online banking as the payment method, and choose UnionBank. You will then be directed to the Bank’s online banking to confirm the transaction.

For Lazada Wallet, click the wallet icon on the upper right portion of the homepage. Select the cash-in button, enter the amount, and select “Add UnionBank account” in the Cash-in Methods page. You will then be directed to the Bank’s online banking site for confirmation of the transaction. Then enjoy shopping!

PH, SG sign agreement enhancing ASEAN digital payment cooperation in World Fintech Festival

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BSP-MAS CA benefits MSMEs, OFWs, tourism, payments, cybersecurity

The Philippines and Singapore deepened their fintech-based relationship with various cross-border collaborations that will strengthen ASEAN regional payments and provide financial inclusivity to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and micro-small-to-medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

During the recent World Fintech Festival Philippines (WFF) 2021 - Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Managing Director Ravi Menon signed the expanded Fintech Innovation Function Cooperation Agreement. One highlight was the linkage of the two countries’ QR and real-time payment systems. In his statement following the signing ceremony, Gov. Diokno said that "the BSP is taking the initial step in linking the Philippine payment system with those of our ASEAN neighbors, beginning with Singapore.” He added that the agreement will enhance safe, efficient cross-border payments through smoother and seamless international fund transfers. Managing Director Menon called it “a concrete step towards the vision of an ASEAN network of interconnected real-time payment systems."

(Upper row, L-R): Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno; Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assistant Governor Edna Villa

(Middle row, L-R): Michelle Ong, Leading Business Journalist as Host and Moderator; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Director Raymond Estioko, Payments System Oversight; Carmelita Araneta, General Manager, Philippine Payments Management Inc.

(Bottom row): Leila Martin, President and CEO, Overseas Filipino Bank; Todd Schweitzer, CEO of Brankas; Amor Maclang, Convenor, Digital Pilipinas

MAS’ launch of regional tech platforms strengthens the growth of ASEAN cross-border transactions: Proxtera, which enables seamless trading for SMEs; the non-profit open-architecture API Exchange (APIX) which supports ASEAN and global financial innovation and inclusion; and Oxygen, APIX’s knowledge-upskilling platform that provides masterclasses from industry experts.

SFF 2021’s discussions are shaped by new changemakers as well as central banks’ impact-makers, policymakers, and financial gurus. MAS Chief Fintech Officer Sopnendu Mohanty gave one advantage of this approach for MSMEs: “We are democratizing the unique and valuable content into a signature knowledge certification program and a special SME day with an upskilling programme.”

Amor Maclang, Digital Pilipinas Convenor, expressed support for the enhanced BSP-MAS Cooperation Agreement through “the whole-of-society approach in solving today's and tomorrow's technological needs.” Digital Pilipinas, which helped launch WFF 2021 with the MAS, will “continue to be at the service of both the BSP and MAS as this agreement is a very important pillar in tech-ing up our country,” said Maclang.

Tech education and certification

Digital Pilipinas is a national movement that solves Philippine industry-wide challenges through digitalization, tech education with certification, and the creation of industry sandboxes. With the support of the Department of Trade and Industry, its program Business Without Borders and its partnership with Proxtera will connect SMEs with the greater ASEAN network. The upcoming Digital Pilipinas Academy will hold educational micro-certification courses on the blockchain; its academic program, the Incremental Industry-Driven Technology Education Resources Authentication Testing Ecosystem (I-ITERATE), will feature courses on Open Finance, Fintech, and other nascent technologies.

With the BSP and MAS models serving as their guide, the sandboxes that Digital Pilipinas will develop with national line agencies can accelerate innovation in alignment with regulatory policies. Digital Pilipinas’ partners in this initiative are Proxtera, APIX, and Oxygen.

Safe, secure, and swift digital payments

Through Business Without Borders, Digital Pilipinas will operationalize plans for tech-ing up entrepreneurs and connect MSMEs with international trade. Its opening up of the ASEAN market to local companies through digital gateways is in alignment with the BSP-MAS’ updated Cooperation Agreement.

Built on an earlier 2017 agreement between the BSP and the MAS, the updated Cooperation Agreement will also provide opportunities to the tourism, payments, and cybersecurity sectors. Raymond Estioko, BSP Director for Payments System Oversight, said that the 2021 agreement will make cross-border payments “cheaper, more inclusive, and more transparent."

BSP Assistant Governor Edna Villa named another new development: “Collaboration specifically on payments innovation and the linking of the two payment systems of the Philippines’ InstaPay and Singapore's PayNow."

Brankas CEO Todd Schweitzer described how the alignment of financial access and tech education can improve the lives of underserved Filipinos: “Allowing them to connect to the new payment systems can help drive financial inclusion. This can be beneficial to OFWs in their decisions about which insurance product fits their needs."

Carmelita Araneta, General Manager of Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI), acknowledged that economic and tech “power is starting to move in Asia.” Their P2M (Person-to-Merchant) system is designed to connect with Singapore-based OFWs who are Instapay users.

Leila Martin, President and CEO of OFBank, acknowledged that through the new BSP-MAS digital payment network, OFWs “can look forward to a strong, enabling environment that will ensure that cross-border payments are safe and devoid of fraud.”

The BSP-MAS extended Cooperation Agreement and the new Digital Pilipinas partnerships are expected to trigger more collaborations across the ASEAN. As Maclang put it, “They will help speed up cross-border financial transactions between the Philippines and Singapore, and move Philippine industries forward towards economic integration among the ASEAN.”