Deeply rooted in its mission to democratize financial services, GCash, the leading finance app in the Philippines, recently celebrated 20 years of commitment to digital financial inclusion as the nation’s first unicorn with a valuation exceeding $5 billion. This milestone displays GCash’s global influence and its role in boosting clients in the Philippines and globally
According to Industry sources, through its endurance to deliver innovative and accessible financial solutions, GCash stands out as one amongst a few financially sustainable fintech companies worldwide, dedicated to bridging the financial divide for underserved communities.
Industry sources further added that core investments from Ayala Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan’s leading financial institution, have more than doubled GCash’s valuation from $2 billion in 2021.
Industry sources further confirmed that the recent funding round, which witnessed Ayala and MUFG each acquire an additional 8% stake in Mynt, the parent company of GCash, further solidifies GCash’s position as a trailblazer in financial inclusion across Southeast Asia.
“These past 20 years, we have made strides to provide more Filipinos with access to financial services. Now, we want to take it a step further and be their partner towards financial health and wellness,” GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon stated. “Encouraged by the vision set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the United Nations towards digital financial inclusion, we will keep innovating to help Filipinos thrive everyday, be ready for a rainy day, and prepare for one day.”
Powering Financial Access
Industry sources further confirmed that since GCash’s inception, the firm has prioritized how technological innovations can help promote financial inclusion. Before the pandemic, only 29% had bank accounts, less than 1% had access to investments, and 2% held credit cards. With 47% of the population still unbanked, GCash leveraged digital tools to significantly broaden access to digital financial services. Beyond basic transactions, the finance super app offers innovative in-app credit services and affordable lending products like GCredit, GLoan, and GGives and has disbursed PHP 155 billion to 5.4 million unique borrowers, including underserved segments.
In wealth management and insurance, GFunds has onboarded 6.6 million users and handles 3 in 4 UITF transactions. Meanwhile, GStocks represents 1 in 5 PSE accounts with 682,000 users and GInsure protects 7.8 million Filipinos with 28 million policies sold, making investment products and financial protection more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
Financial Boosting Across The Philippines And Beyond
Industry sources also further added that GCash’s influence extends far beyond the country, boosting its position as a global player in fintech. Through international remittance services, GCash Overseas, and Global Pay, GCash caters to the needs of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and provides seamless financial services across borders. GCash Overseas allows Filipinos abroad to create GCash accounts using their international mobile numbers and send money back home, pay bills, and more from 16 countries and territories. Meanwhile, Global Pay enables Filipinos to use their GCash app in 47 countries at over 3 million merchants worldwide. This global expansion has also allowed GCash to become the second most-used finance app in the UAE, underscoring its global relevance.
Industry sources further reaffirmed that GCash’s services have not only surged the number of accounts but also redefined the demographics of financial inclusion. 90% of GCash users come from lower-income classes, 57% are women, and 74% reside outside Metro Manila. This inclusivity is a testament to GCash’s commitment to being a “champion of digital financial inclusion,” helping Filipinos thrive in their everyday lives, wherever they are.
Sustainable And Inclusive Future For One And All
Industry sources confirmed that beyond financial inclusion, GCash is also committed to environmental and social sustainability, making it one of the few financially sustainable fintech companies globally. Through its GForest initiative, GCash has mobilized 17 million users to plant over 2.8 million trees, reducing carbon emissions by 138,000 metric tons. This reforestation effort not only contributes to environmental conservation but also provides livelihoods for over 8,600 farmers.
By continually evolving and expanding its offerings, GCash is poised to solidify its status as a leader in the global fintech arena, driving transformative change that not only helps Filipinos thrive every day but also enhances the broader financial ecosystem beyond the Philippine borders.
