The Philippines, renowned as the third-largest recipient of remittances globally, has emerged as a critical market for regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines, fostering innovation in financial technology. With its high volume of remittances, rapidly increasing digital adoption and tech-savvy population, the country has become a fertile ground for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
Governed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), these licensed platforms, often referred to as regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines, enable seamless crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto transactions. In return, the country can empower millions of Filipinos with innovative financial services.
However, the crypto market in the Philippines is not without its challenges. In August 2022, the BSP imposed a three-year ban on new VASP applications to assess and regulate the burgeoning market. This moratorium has made the list of licensed cryptocurrency exchanges all the more significant as it reflects the key players shaping the future of the Philippines’ crypto landscape.
Let’s take a closer look at the licensed VASPs in the Philippines as of January 10, 2025, the differences and similarities from last year’s list, and their contributions to the evolving cryptocurrency market.
Active Non-Bank VASPs
Coins.ph (Betur Inc.)
Coins.ph, operated by Betur Inc., is a household name in the Philippine cryptocurrency market. It has been a pioneer in the industry since obtaining its VASP license in September 2017. Coins.ph offers a wide range of financial services, including remittances, bill payments, and cryptocurrency trading, making it one of the top SEC-licensed crypto trading platforms in the Philippines.
Users can trade popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Bitcoin Cash directly on its platform.
In 2024, the platform celebrated its 10th anniversary by achieving record trading volumes through its TradeDesk platform. Coins.ph continues to lead the market by providing accessible and user-friendly financial solutions for Filipinos.
Bloomsolutions, Inc.
Bloomsolutions, Inc. is known for its innovative use of blockchain technology to enhance money transfer and remittance services. Its platform, BloomX, offers trading for over 250 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Litecoin, establishing itself as one of the leading crypto trading platforms in the Philippines for remittance solutions.
Licensed by the BSP in May 2018, Bloomsolutions remains at the forefront of fintech innovation in the country.
Direct Agent 5 (DA5)
Direct Agent 5, Inc., or DA5, operates SurgePay, a hybrid digital wallet offering cryptocurrency trading alongside services like remittances and bill payments. As one of the most licensed financial service providers in the Philippines, DA5 obtained its VASP license on January 31, 2023. SurgePay’s user-friendly platform allows users to trade major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it a trusted name in the industry.
Maya Philippines, Inc.
Previously known as PayMaya, Maya Philippines has transformed itself into a full-fledged digital banking and financial platform, combining traditional services with cryptocurrency exchanges to meet evolving user needs.
With its VASP license granted on December 31, 2021, Maya offers cryptocurrency trading, micro-investments, and traditional financial services. Its comprehensive ecosystem has positioned it as a key player in integrating crypto into everyday financial transactions.
Moneybees Forex Corp.
Moneybees provides over-the-counter cryptocurrency transactions through its partner outlets and online trading desk, enabling users to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Since acquiring its VASP license in Q1 2020, the company has made it easier for users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies in physical locations, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional cash transactions.
Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX)
PDAX is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and over 70 other cryptocurrencies using Philippine pesos. Licensed by the BSP in September 2018, PDAX also powers GCrypto, the crypto platform for GCash. In 2022, it launched PDAX Prime, giving users access to a broader range of cryptocurrencies and exclusive tokens.
TopJuan Technologies Corporation
TopJuan Technologies Corporation provides both B2B and B2C financial solutions through its hybrid digital wallet, TopWallet. The platform enables users to trade various cryptocurrencies and access other financial services. With a focus on compliance and innovation, TopJuan continues to expand its footprint in the Philippine crypto market.
XenRemit, Inc.
Part of the Xendit Group, XenRemit offers a comprehensive platform for trading cryptocurrencies and accessing financial services like remittances and bill payments. Added to the BSP’s list of licensed VASPs on January 31, 2023, XenRemit’s integration with Xendit’s payment infrastructure positions it as a significant player in the sector.
Active Bank VASPs
GoTyme Bank Corporation
GoTyme Bank is a digital bank backed by the Gokongwei Group and Singapore-based Tyme Group. The bank obtained its VASP license back in October last year. Known for its innovative financial products, such as high-interest time deposits and USD trading options, GoTyme is poised to bring significant advancements to the Philippine digital asset space.
Union Bank of the Philippines
UnionBank, one of the country’s largest universal banks, holds the distinction of being the first local bank to receive a VASP license. As a pioneer in integrating cryptocurrency services into traditional banking, UnionBank continues to lead in bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
Inactive or Non-Operational VASPs
Not all VASPs have managed to sustain operations in this competitive market. As of BSP’s list of VASPs in January 2025, the following entities have ceased operations or lost their licenses:
COEX Star (ABA Global Philippines, Inc.)
COEX Star, operated by ABA Global Philippines, Inc., was once a promising crypto exchange offering a variety of trading pairs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. The company obtained its VASP license on March 21, 2019, and was even relaunched again in August 2022. The ambition then was to integrate blockchain into eco-friendly agricultural and fisheries production.
However, it seemed like it was to no avail. The company was then declared inactive and removed from the BSP’s list of licensed VASPs by January 2025.
WIBS PHP, Inc.
WIBS PHP, Inc. offered blockchain-driven financial solutions, including electronic payment services and virtual currency exchanges through its DO PAY platform. Despite its initial success, WIBS PHP struggled to maintain operations and was removed from the BSP’s active list by January 2025.
Juan Cash (Zybi Tech, Inc.)
Juan Cash, operated by Zybi Tech, Inc., aimed to provide financial services to the underbanked through its platform, JuanExchange. The company received its license in 2018. Since then, it has launched a series of innovative solutions, including a mobile wallet and cryptocurrency trading platform.
Despite a grand launch in 2019, it eventually ceased operations and was declared inactive as of January 2025. This further reflect the difficulties faced by smaller players in sustaining market presence.
These closures underscore the challenges of operating in the highly regulated and competitive Philippine cryptocurrency market. Even with initial success and innovative offerings, the evolving landscape demands continuous adaptation, regulatory compliance, and strong financial backing.
A Market Poised for Growth
The Philippines stands at the crossroads of rapid digital transformation and growing adoption of licensed cryptocurrency exchanges. However, beneath the optimism lies a pressing need for more robust regulation and sustainable innovation.
The BSP’s moratorium on new VASP applications highlights the delicate balance between fostering growth and managing risks in an evolving financial ecosystem.
While half of all payments in the Philippines are now made digitally and the remittance market thrives, the country must address some key challenges. These include ensuring consumer protection, preventing illicit activity, and encouraging technological advancement among licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in the Philippines.
As the market matures, the Philippines has the potential to solidify its position as a regional hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, bolstered by the Philippines cryptocurrency exchange regulations 2025 and the success of regulated platforms. However, this will require concerted efforts from both regulators and industry players.
The success of these licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in the Philippines will depend not only on their ability to innovate. It also falls on their commitment to building trust and resilience in this rapidly changing financial landscape.
FAQs Regarding Licensed Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the Philippines
1. What are the regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines?
Cryptocurrency exchanges in the Philippines are licensed and regulated as VASPs by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). You can find some information on registered VASPs on the BSP website. We suggest checking it regularly to stay updated with the incoming and outgoing list of VASPs. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also working on new regulations that will likely expand their role in overseeing crypto exchanges.
2. Is cryptocurrency trading legal in the Philippines?
Yes, cryptocurrency trading is legal in the Philippines. The BSP’s Circular No. 1108 provides guidelines for VASPs, treating cryptocurrencies as virtual assets. To operate legally, VASPs need to be registered with the BSP. The SEC is also developing further licensing requirements for crypto trading entities.
3. How can I identify if a crypto exchange is regulated in the Philippines?
You can check for a crypto exchange’s regulatory status in a few ways. 1) Look for information on the BSP website, although a complete list may not be available. 2) Keep an eye on the SEC registry as they implement new rules. 3) Contact the BSP or SEC directly. 4) Review the exchange’s website for licensing details or compliance statements.
4. What are the benefits of using regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines?
Using regulated crypto exchanges in the Philippines offers several benefits. These include enhanced security measures to protect your assets, legal protection in case of disputes, compliance with AML laws to prevent illicit activities, and increased trust and transparency in the platform.
Last Update on 27 January 2025
Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik