GCash and InvestaTrade partner to make investing easier for every Filipino

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GCash and InvestaTrade launch an upgraded GStocks platform for an easier investing experience within the GCash app.

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Powered by InvestaTrade, GStocks lets Filipinos become part-owners of top local companies by investing in stocks—right from the GCash app, in just minutes

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Redefining how first-time investors enter the market, GCash upgrades its GStocks feature with new partner InvestaTrade, the stock trading arm of Investa, known for its beginner-friendly approach to financial education and stock market awareness.

While the level of Filipinos' interest and adoption toward investing has grown in recent years, participation in the stock market is still not widespread. According to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the number of stock market accounts in the PSE reached 2.86 million, with 99% belonging to local investors as of June 2024. For perspective, this represents only about 4.1% of the country's roughly 70 million adult population.

The new partnership aims to change that. Powered by InvestaTrade, GStocks introduces a simplified investing experience within the GCash app, allowing Filipinos to easily register, fund their accounts, and start investing in local stocks—all in just a few minutes.

The upgraded GStocks experience also aims to drive stronger literacy and ease stock selection with a more intuitive platform that features built-in educational content. The platform is also designed to be as user-friendly and accessible as possible, even to first-time investors.

“Financial tools only work if people actually feel ready to use them. This partnership is about meeting people where they are and giving them room to grow at their own pace,” general manager for wealth management at GCash, Arjun Varma, said.

“Our goal has always been to use technology to break down barriers to investing. With GStocks PH and InvestaTrade, we’re making it easier for more Filipinos to take that first step with tools designed to help jumpstart their financial journey,” he added.

The partnership with InvestaTrade brings additional credibility and community-based learning to the platform. Since 2015, Investa has built a reputation for offering accessible tools, market insights, and educational content aimed at helping everyday Filipinos make sense of the stock market.

“We’ve always believed that investing should be made accessible for every Filipino. This has been our mission since day one. This collaboration allows us to take what we’ve built at Investa—tools, education, and a supportive community—and make it available to a wider audience through GCash,” Investa CEO and co-founder JC Bisnar said.

“This collaboration also highlights the importance of technology in making investing more accessible. By leveraging the seamless experience and advanced features of the InvestaTrade platform, in synergy with GCash, we aim to simplify the learning curve and equip first-time and experienced users alike with reliable tools,” said Investa CTO and co-founder Airwyn Tin.

It only takes minutes to start investing with GStocks. Fully verified GCash users with an updated KYC in the last 3 years just need to register in-app to get approved instantly.

The new GStocks PH powered by InvestaTrade officially launches September 15 as part of GCash’s broader mission to make investing a stronger habit and a part of everyday life for all Filipinos.

Through this, GCash is helping turn what was once an intimidating topic into a practical step toward financial growth, empowering more Filipinos to build a stronger, more secure future.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. You should always consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.

SEC approval of global stock trading sandbox paves way for GStocks Global launch

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paved the way for Filipinos to invest in some of the world’s biggest companies after it approved the regulatory sandbox for local players like GCash to offer global stock investments.

(L-R) GCash chief regulatory officer Atty. Cef Sison, wealth management general manager Arjun Varma and vice president and new businesses group head Winsley Bangit with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson and CEO Atty. Emilio Aquino, commissioner Atty. McJill Bryant Fernandez, commissioner Atty. Javey Paul D. Francisco, and Philippine Fintech Innovations Office director Atty. Paolo Ong.

This initiative marks a pioneering step toward making global investing more accessible and seamless for Filipinos, while upholding strong safeguards and regulatory oversight to protect users.

While many Filipinos are eager to invest in global companies, they often face challenges such as complicated account setups, foreign currency requirements, and unfamiliar platforms. These barriers can make global investing seem daunting and out of reach. GStocks Global aims to break down these obstacles by providing a simple, secure, and locally regulated way for users to invest in global stocks using Philippine Pesos, right within the app.

This move also supports the broader mission of GCash to democratize investing by lowering the long-standing barriers that have kept global markets out of reach for most Filipinos.

“We’re proud to be working closely with the SEC to ensure this offering meets the highest standards of safety and compliance. The sandbox allows us to test and learn while putting user protection at the core. For the first time, Filipinos can access global stock markets through a platform they already trust—GCash,” said GCash vice president and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit.

With the sandbox in place, GCash, through a partnership with EasyEquities, will enable users to buy and sell shares of select global companies using Philippine Pesos, with no need for a US Dollar account or separate platform.

“This offering will initially be in a test phase within a sandbox environment and will only be available to select, eligible users. This phased rollout allows GCash and its partners to ensure quality and gather valuable feedback while ensuring regulatory safeguards remain in place,” said Bangit.

The offering marks the first time Filipinos can explore global investing in a way that is both convenient and fully integrated within a local fintech platform. This initiative also reinforces GCash’s commitment to ‘Finance for All’, ensuring that more Filipinos can participate in global markets with tools that are simple, safe, and designed with local needs in mind.

As it continues its evolution as the country’s leading finance app, GCash extends the boundaries of what everyday users can achieve with just a few taps and brings global wealth-building within reach. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.