Christy Balita
Research expert covering the Philippines
Fintech in the Philippines - statistics & facts
The Philippines has an emerging financial technology (FinTech) industry thanks to booming digitalization and increased government support. In recent years, the country has seen growth in the number of startups and new fintech ventures - two of which earned unicorn status in the last two years. The country’s fintech industry can continue to expect growth from a sustained interest in digital financial services, improved cybersecurity, and widespread financial literacy among its population.
Among FinTech companies, GCash pioneered money remittances nationwide by turning mobile phones into an e-wallet using their app. Today, GCash is the first fintech unicorn, providing various solutions, including bill payments, QR code payments, investments, loans, and insurance services. Its biggest competitor, Maya, also gained unicorn status in the previous year and developed itself as a super app with the same services as GCash, but with a digital bank.
As of November 2022, 289 operating FinTech firms offered various digital financial solutions in the Philippines. Apart from payments and mobile wallets, there were also several startups in the cryptocurrency and alternative lending categories. Meanwhile, as remittance inflows continued to grow, digital remittance firms provided a viable option for sending and receiving money worldwide.
The rise of digital payments and alternative finance
The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) played a vital role in the evolution of the FinTech industry. As early as 2000, the BSP allowed banks to engage in electronic banking to improve financial access. However, since a considerable portion of the population remains unbanked, the adaption of online banking was gradual. It was only in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic that most banks incorporated online banking to cater to the growing share of Filipinos owning smartphones. Through their devices, Filipinos can easily open bank accounts online and access them easily, either through mobile applications or online banking, without having to step into a bank branch. The BSP targeted to expand the number of Filipino adults with bank accounts to 70 percent by the end of 2023. The pandemic stimulated demand for online banking and digital payment since most Filipinos increased their e-commerce transactions.Among FinTech companies, GCash pioneered money remittances nationwide by turning mobile phones into an e-wallet using their app. Today, GCash is the first fintech unicorn, providing various solutions, including bill payments, QR code payments, investments, loans, and insurance services. Its biggest competitor, Maya, also gained unicorn status in the previous year and developed itself as a super app with the same services as GCash, but with a digital bank.
As of November 2022, 289 operating FinTech firms offered various digital financial solutions in the Philippines. Apart from payments and mobile wallets, there were also several startups in the cryptocurrency and alternative lending categories. Meanwhile, as remittance inflows continued to grow, digital remittance firms provided a viable option for sending and receiving money worldwide.
Challenges and outlook
The Philippines can continue to expect growth in FinTech as more firms innovate to provide better digital financial solutions. Aside from the already evolving payments and mobile wallets sector, growth potential can be expected in InsurTech and WealthTech segments. However, better solutions to protect users from fraud were crucial in gaining the trust of Filipinos who still prefer cash payments. Digital literacy campaigns should also be implemented to inform consumers of the benefits of using digital financial services.
