The Philippines has always had a colourful fintech scene, but 2025 feels like one of those years where everything moves at once. New players jump in, regulators swing hard, global names finally arrive, and long-time concerns suddenly turn into national debates. Before we begin, let me tell you that this list is not in any particular order. Now, let’s walk through the biggest stories that shaped the year so far, and how they all fit together in the wider story of money, technology, habits, and a country that’s still figuring out what digital finance should look like. Manny Pacquiao Steps…

Banks nowadays often talk about AI ever since it became this shiny new thing a few years back, but in a closed-door room in Manila, the conversation took a direction that many in the industry rarely voice out loud. Something that we have not heard about. Everyone in that room agreed that AI has become unavoidable, deservingly so, right? Well, not quite. Inside that room, these CxOs also agree that almost every banker admitted that most of what they are doing today barely scratches the surface. The truth is that banks might be embracing AI, but they are not dreaming…

Over the weekend, reports spread across social media claiming that a dark web seller was offering millions of GCash user records, including eKYC information and linked bank accounts. But the country’s arguably largest mobile wallet company moved quickly to respond, saying that its systems remain secure and that no breach had taken place. On October 25, a dark web user under the handle “Oversleep8351” posted what was described as a massive cache of data allegedly belonging to G-Xchange, Inc., the operator of GCash. The listing claimed to contain information from both merchant and basic accounts, covering transactions and registrations from…

I remembered my first time when I wrote about the online gambling problem that was happening in the Philippines. Financial platforms like GCash and Maya were not-so-quietly helping people to gamble, just like how they were helping ordinary Filipinos to pay bills or send money. Tucked between savings features and remittance tools, there sat icons for casinos, bingo halls and betting arenas. It was all legal at that time, but the line between financial inclusion and financial temptation was a bit blurry. To some, it was fintech convenience at its finest. To others, it was a silent trap. And as…

“A business has no right to deny consumers the use of cash.” I saw this LinkedIn post from Russel Stanley Geronimo, a lawyer and CEO of Geronimo Law, which struck a chord in my chest. Roughly 6 months ago, I was in the midst of pouring my heart out, writing about how there were some stores in Malaysia refusing to accept cash altogether in favour of e-wallets and cards. No, I am not going against digital payments or just having pure hatred towards the cashless society. What irks me and boils my blood is the outright denial in accepting cash…

Every industry has its share of award shows, and fintech is no different. But every so often, one comes along that manages to feel grounded and relevant. It doesn’t chase headlines or reward the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it puts the spotlight on the people building quietly, often without the attention they deserve. That was the premise behind the Fintech Frontiers 50 Awards, held on 5 August 2025 at The Estate on Federal Hill in Kuala Lumpur. Timed to coincide with Malaysia’s MyFintech Week, the event drew founders, regulators, investors, and ecosystem builders from across the region. This…

Digital wallet usage has become so deeply embedded in daily life that it’s hard to imagine a time without it. It is expected that in 2025, the Philippines will surpass 80 million registered e-wallet accounts, reflecting a threefold increase within five years. In fact, the Philippines came in second (87%), just behind Indonesia (92%), in e-wallet usage among Southeast Asian countries, respectively, using the payment method, especially QR payments and mobile payment apps, according to the 2024 Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study. Not only that, e-wallets were the most used online financial service among Filipinos that year, surpassing even digital…

Crypto platforms in the Philippines just got a major regulatory shake-up.  On May 30, the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a new set of rules designed to bring structure, transparency, and accountability to how crypto platforms or also known as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), operate in the country. These are the SEC Rules on Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASP Rules) and the Operations of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASP Guidelines). The new regulations are more than just paperwork as they aim to strike a balance between promoting innovation and making sure the market stays fair, safe, and trustworthy for everyone…

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) just gave banks the power to freeze suspicious funds for up to 30 days, with no court order needed. On paper, it sounds like a practical move to keep scammers from hopping between accounts or laundering money through mule networks. But in reality? It also raises uneasy questions about financial autonomy, due process, and whether banks are now part-time police officers. This authority comes via BSP Circular No. 1215, which implements key parts of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). Signed into law in 2024, AFASA targets all the usual suspects, such as money…

You open your phone to pay a bill. A few taps and scrolls later, and suddenly your screen flashes a set of cards. Blackjack. Poker. Slot machines. You took your glasses off, rubbed your eyes and put them back on, feeling unsure, because if you remember correctly, you’re on the GCash app. Or the Maya App. Or both. Right there, in the same place you track your savings or send money to family, is an entire gambling ecosystem placed awkwardly at your fingertips. And it gives some mixed feelings. Well, to some, it’s the kind of seamless experience that fintech…

I know I am around three days late, but I needed time to gather my thoughts on this.  Over the weekend, many CIMB Bank Philippines customers were caught off guard when unauthorised fund transfers hit their accounts. Some reported losing as much as PHP 500,000. Understandably, panic and outrage quickly followed.  Well, it’s not every day that you wake up to find your hard-earned savings vanish without warning. Fortunately, CIMB Philippines has moved swiftly to return the lost funds. As of their latest updates, the bank has started the reversal of all reported losses. They have also reassured the public that…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines has taken a quite bold step into the digital frontier recently with the launch of its crypto sandbox initiative, dubbed the Strategic Sandbox (StratBox).  Positioned as a regulatory testbed for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), the SEC sees that this programme has the potential to reshape the landscape of securities trading in the country, possibly even ushering in tokenised stocks and bonds.  Yet, as with many innovations, the promise of progress comes with significant questions about oversight, investor protection, and long-term market stability.  Announced in April 2025, the StratBox is a thematic…

The fintech revolution is in full swing, and the Philippines is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for innovation in digital banking, payments, and financial services. This surge is fueled by a young, digitally savvy population, with internet penetration reaching over 70%. Consequently, the country is attracting increasing global investor interest, evidenced by the significant growth in fintech funding, which saw a notable increase in recent years. This is all due to its burgeoning startup ecosystem and the Philippine government’s proactive support for financial technology, demonstrated by initiatives aimed at fostering digital financial inclusion. As we move into 2025, staying informed…

The Philippines’ banking sector is made up of various financial institutions, including universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, rural banks, digital banks, and electronic money issuers, each with varying transfer fees. These institutions serve as the backbone of the country’s financial ecosystem, enabling individuals and businesses to transfer funds efficiently across different entities. Under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), these financial institutions ensure regulatory compliance and financial stability. As of the latest disclosures from BSP Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) on 31 January 2025, the Philippines has approximately 35 commercial and universal banks, 14 thrift banks, 16…

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a banker. What I am, however, is an enthusiastic saver who enjoys exploring different savings options and finding the best ways to make my money work for me. Over the years, I’ve realised that choosing where to save is just as crucial as the act of saving itself. A good savings strategy isn’t just about setting money aside. For me at least, it’s about maximising returns while ensuring accessibility and security. For those of us who prioritise saving, the real question isn’t whether we should save, it’s how and where we should…

The Philippines stands at the brink of a groundbreaking financial transformation, where technology and innovation hold the key to rewriting the country’s economic story. Yet, beneath this promising horizon lies a sobering reality: 44% of the bankable population—those aged 15 and older—remains unbanked or underbanked Such disconnect stifles not only economic growth but also personal empowerment, leaving millions without access to essentials like credit, investment opportunities, or even basic banking services Barriers such as geographic isolation, digital illiteracy, and high transaction costs magnify this financial divide. However, amid these gloomy skies, a ray of sunshine filled with rainbows still awaits,…

The fintech industry is reshaping the financial landscape in 2024, driving innovation and fostering financial inclusion in unprecedented ways. With its burgeoning digital economy, the Philippines has emerged as a key player in this global movement. From the surge of digital banking to groundbreaking advancements in stablecoins and anti-fraud measures, the fintech sector is tackling long-standing challenges while creating new opportunities. Let’s explore the top stories shaping the fintech ecosystem in the Philippines in this eventful 2024. Digital Banking: A Revolution in Deposits and Challenges Ahead To kick things off on the top fintech stories in 2024 within the Philippines,…

The Philippines is gearing up for a potential surge in digital banks (digibanks). With the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) hinting at granting more licenses in 2025, the number of players could soon exceed ten. While this expansion aims to boost financial inclusion and innovation, a critical look at the current landscape reveals a potential pitfall on where or not there will be an over-reliance on incumbent-led digital banks. A Homogenous Playing Field? The six existing digital banks in the Philippines – Tonik Digital Bank, GoTyme Bank, Maya Bank, Overseas Filipino Bank, UNObank, and UnionDigital Bank – have undoubtedly made strides in addressing…

Southeast Asia currently find themselves in the midst of a serious challenge in financial crime (fincrime). Countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are witnessing an escalation in illicit activities, driven partly by their banks’ limited use of artificial intelligence (AI) in combating threats such as money laundering and also fraud. A recent report by SymphonyAI, in corporation with Regulation Asia uncovered the challenges and opportunities in addressing these vulnerabilities, spotlighting the urgent need for AI adoption in the region’s financial systems. Rising Financial Crime Is A Regional Concern Financial crime in Southeast Asia is growing more complex…