Fuse CEO Tony Isidro Highlights How Fintech is Helping Small Businesses Unlock Better Financing at the ASEAN MSME Summit

Fintech is using technology to make financing more accessible to small businesses, giving entrepreneurs greater opportunities to fund day-to-day operations and business expansion. By improving access to capital, fintech can help drive the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which remain a vital part of the Philippine economy.

 

Fuse Financing, Inc. president and CEO Tony Isidro shared this view while speaking at the ASEAN MSME Summit 2026, highlighting the potential of micro and small businesses, including sari-sari store owners and other small merchants, to grow with the right financial support.

 

“Just because a business, particularly a micro-entrepreneur, is invisible in a formal business, it doesn't mean that they're not credible,” Isidro said.

 

Micro and small enterprises have long struggled to access traditional credit, held back by strict collateral demands and unestablished credit histories. Today, innovative digital financial

solutions are bridging this gap, democratizing access to fair and credible loans and operational tools that enable small businesses to scale sustainably.

 

For Fuse Financing, helping more small businesses access financing means recognizing the potential of entrepreneurs who may have limited experience with traditional lenders. With access to legitimate financial support, these businesses can purchase equipment, replenish inventory, improve operations, manage working capital, and expand their businesses.

 

Digital platforms help make this access more practical by allowing MSMEs to manage financial activities within an ecosystem they already use for their businesses. Through GCash, merchants can accept customer payments, pay suppliers and other merchants, and access other financial and business services.

 

These activities can also provide additional information that may support credit assessment and underwriting. Digital transaction data can give lenders a more current view of a merchant’s business activity, complementing the information available through traditional financial records. Loan eligibility, however, remains subject to credit evaluation.

Isidro explained how the digital ecosystem of GCash can provide lenders with a broader view of merchants and their business activity.

 

“[Digital transactions] are more powerful versus the traditional financial statement, which would be static, whereas their behavior within the GCash ecosystem is more dynamic and can be observed over time. So you get a glimpse of each merchant's flow of cash, which enables us to have a good footprint, or a good [view] of the capability of each merchant,” he said.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Tony Isidro highlighted how digital transactions can help financial service providers better understand the needs of MSMEs. By seeing how merchants use digital financial services in their day-to-day operations, providers can gain insights that will allow them to better respond and support the growth of MSMEs

Meanwhile, Isidro also encouraged merchants to continue using GCash for their regular financial activities as they build their digital financial footprint.

 

“Whether it's accepting payment from your customers, or paying other merchants, paying your suppliers in the GCash app, we encourage merchants to continue using the app for their financial operations,” he said.

 

As ASEAN’s digital economy grows, fintech can help bring more MSMEs into the formal financial system by expanding access to financial services and financing. For small businesses, greater access to appropriate financing can provide opportunities to strengthen their operations and pursue growth.

 

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

Schneider Electric: Ensuring power security is the new competitive advantage for Philippine MSMEs

Manila, Philippines – The next disruption to a Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise’s (MSME) bottom line may not come from a slow sales day. It may come from five hours without power.

With recurring power alerts and weather-related disruptions continuing across the Philippines, staying operational is becoming a growing concern for MSMEs. During the rainy season, storms can trigger power interruptions, while El Niño-driven demand surges place additional strain on the power grid. According to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, even when supply is officially adequate, thin reserve margins worsened by plant outages and spikes in demand continue to leave the grid vulnerable to alerts and rotating brownouts, 

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with 190 years of innovation expertise, says the difference is not whether an outage hits. It is whether a business is ready when it does.

For a digitally-run MSME, unstable power no longer just means lost lighting, even a brief flicker can pause a transaction mid-checkout, delay an order, or damage the equipment behind both. It is a cost often noticed only after revenue is already lost.

Business Continuity Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Schneider Electric sees that risk differently. "Disruptions are becoming more frequent, and digital operations are now central to how MSMEs run their business," said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head, Schneider Electric Philippines. "That shift is changing how we think about resilience, it's no longer a contingency measure. It's becoming a competitive advantage."

Point-of-sale terminals, routers, computers, servers, CCTV systems, and communication devices now run the daily operations of a typical MSME. Losing power to any of them, even briefly, can interrupt a transaction, corrupt data, or damage the hardware outright.

Schneider Electric addresses that exposure with its APC Smart Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) On-Line built for businesses running equipment that needs stable, reliable power.

Unlike standby units that only switch to battery once the power goes out, Smart-UPS On-Line keeps equipment running continuously, filtering out voltage dips and surges before they ever reach connected devices, even outside a full outage. This is made possible by double-conversion technology: incoming power is continuously converted and cleaned before it reaches connected devices, rather than being passed through directly and only corrected after a problem occurs. 

At full load, it provides around 4 to 6 minutes of battery backup — enough time for equipment to shut down safely or switch to another power source. This runtime gets longer as the load on connected devices decreases, guarding critical electronics and data against dangerous power conditions and disturbances. Multiple protected outlets mean several devices can stay covered at once.

Business owners can check battery and system status at a glance through an easy-to-read display. Available in either rack or tower design, it is well suited for point-of-sale terminals, computers, network equipment, servers, and other critical electronics that need protection during unexpected power disruptions.

“A UPS protects critical systems from outages and other power abnormalities that can damage sensitive equipment. It also gives businesses time to shut down safely in case of prolonged outages,” Lim added. 

Resilience for Growing Businesses

As Philippine MSMEs continue to grow, reliable power protection is becoming part of what it means to run a resilient workplace: equipment safeguarded, downtime reduced, customer service uninterrupted. For Schneider Electric, empowering MSMEs means making business continuity practical and accessible, so business owners can focus on growth with protection already built in.

That commitment extends to its products. Schneider Electric also manufactures UPS units in the Philippines, which accounts for 60% of the company's global UPS supply. The APC Smart Factory in Cavite positions the country as a key part of Schneider Electric's global operations and puts locally made power protection technology within closer reach of Philippine businesses.

Additionally, the company is working toward Net Zero by 2050 by using better materials and helping customers use products longer through its "Use Better, Use Longer, Use Again" campaign. It also publishes detailed environmental data — like carbon footprint and recyclability — for 120,000 products online.

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GCash for Business Powers Cashless Shopping for Over 200 Filipino artisans at the 2026 Designers' Holiday Bazaar

GCash for Business brings cashless holiday shopping to 200+ artisans in Ayala Malls TriNoma, Glorietta, Makati, and Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao

 

GCash for Business is teaming up with the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB) for the second year to champion Filipino craftsmanship and help local makers and businesses thrive in the digital economy.

 

The country’s #1 finance superapp equips more than 200 local artisans and MSMEs with digital finance solutions that make payments easier and customer transactions faster during one of the country’s busiest retail seasons.

 

Carrying the theme “Sinag,” this year’s Designers’ Holiday Bazaar expands its nationwide reach across three major Ayala Malls: September 3–6, 2026 at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City; October 14–18, 2026 at TriNoma Activity Center, Quezon City; and November 27–December 6, 2026 across Glorietta and the Ayala Museum, Makati City.

 

The bazaar continues to support Filipino and homegrown brands, designers, and artisans by giving them a platform to showcase their work and reach more consumers. This year’s Sinag run features a new lineup of local brands, from fashion and food to home and lifestyle. Among them are Lulu Tan Gan, ANMARI & CO., Liwayway PH, Tia Lacson, Niño Franco, Yvette’s Collections, Kathryn Fanlo, T'NALAK HOME, Auro Chocolate Cafe, Vicky’s Pili & Food Products, and Grateful Bread.

 

More than a shopping destination, Designers’ Holiday Bazaar celebrates Filipino creativity, connects designers and artisans nationwide, and brings local craftsmanship to a wider audience. It also supports small businesses and traditional crafts, with proceeds helping fund academic and dance scholarships for Filipino youth.

 

For GCash for Business, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to giving MSMEs access to enterprise-grade payment, financing, and digital tools that simplify operations and help local entrepreneurs enter their “Easy Era” of growth.

 

“At its heart, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has always been about a single, inspiring mission: to empower and promote our local entrepreneurs. At GCash, we share in that vision and are committed to helping business owners succeed through easy payment solutions,” shares Neil Trinidad, chief marketing officer of GCash.

 

The partnership builds on the GCash for Business support for DHB merchants last year, when it introduced GCash SoundPay and GCash PocketPay to make digital payments easier. SoundPay provides real-time audio payment confirmations, while GCash PocketPay enables card and QR payments through an NFC-enabled Android phone.

 

This year, merchants will have access to upgraded solutions for faster, more seamless transactions. For food and beverage merchants, GCash SoundPay Plus accepts QRPh and card payments on one machine, with loud audio confirmations that instantly signal successful payments.

 

For retail brands, GCash EasyPOS is a heavy-duty checkout terminal that lets customers scan, swipe, or tap to pay, keeping checkout quick and efficient.

 

The GCash for Business Portal gives merchants a centralized view of sales, payouts, and business performance, helping reduce time spent reconciling transactions. Its starter plan also offers a ₱5 million e-wallet limit with a GCash Verified account, giving businesses more room to manage and grow.

 

The bazaar will also feature a GCash booth where merchants and shoppers can explore GCash for Business, access card printing and Tap to Pay, and enjoy prizes and raffle entries when they transact using GCash.

 

Beyond payments, the partnership reflects GCash and DHB’s shared commitment to helping Filipino MSMEs grow. MSMEs account for around 90% of businesses and 63% of local employment, making their growth vital to communities and the broader economy.

 

Catch the “Sinag” edition of the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar in Davao, Quezon City, and Makati, and discover Filipino brands and makers bringing local creativity to life. For event details, follow @designersholidaybazaar on Instagram and Designers’ Holiday Bazaar on Facebook.

 

To discover more about GCash for Business, visit new.gcash.com/business/msme.

Easy-to-Use GCash Payment Solutions Help Filipino MSMEs Grow Their Businesses

Across the Philippines, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—from online sellers and cafés to neighborhood retail shops—are thriving not only through grit, but also with the help of digital tools that make operations easier and support business growth. Going digital, indeed, is the ideal path for merchants of all sizes as the economy pivots to a cash-lite society.

 

G-Xchange Inc. President and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, in a speaking engagement at the ANT Mo:Ments summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stressed that digital tools must not only enable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access digital payments but also improve the way they run their businesses.

 

GCash for Business is doing so with a suite of next-generation payment systems built to help Filipino merchants move faster, serve more customers, and grow their businesses more efficiently.

 

A seamless and inclusive payment ecosystem

 

For many MSMEs, going digital remains easier said than done. While studies show that 77% of MSMEs are interested in digital tools, only 20% have fully adopted them due to costs and technical skill gaps.

 

GCash for Business is making digitalization more accessible for them. The fintech leader offers easy-to-use payment solutions. These enable tap-to-pay and card transactions, giving merchants a faster and simpler way to accept payments.

 

More than these, merchants can access tools that help automate operations, attract customers through promos, and improve business management. The goal is to help businesses spend less time dealing with manual processes and more time growing their operations.

 

“We are helping merchants transition from manual roadblocks to digital efficiency, transforming everyday payments into engines for growth. With these devices and platforms, we are bridging the connectivity gap and ensuring that every Filipino entrepreneur—regardless of their location—has a seat at the table of the formal economy,” Reyes said.

 

Building a digital track record for financial growth

 

Reyes further highlighted how digital transactions can help merchants build financial credibility.

 

Today, 55% of MSMEs have never applied for a formal loan, often because of fear of debt, high interest rates, and complicated application requirements. Many small business owners still rely on informal borrowing or personal savings, limiting their ability to expand operations, manage cash flow, or recover from unexpected expenses.

 

With GCash for Business, merchants can create a digital track record that may help them access financing options that are faster, fairer, and more inclusive. The lending arm of GCash, Fuse Financing Inc., has disbursed P406 billion worth of loans to 11.1 million unique borrowers to date. One in three borrowers is a small business owner.

 

By helping small businesses overcome barriers to digital adoption, GCash is turning everyday transactions into opportunities for growth, inclusion, and long-term financial progress for merchants across the country.

 

To get started, merchants can sign up via the GCash for Business Portal at business.gcash.com to gain access to affordable payment solutions and an easy to use all in one dashboard.

Sun Life Teams Up with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Empower Entrepreneurs in Bataan

MANILA, PH – August 2026 – For many entrepreneurs, growing a business means making tough decisions every day amid changing market conditions, evolving customer needs, and unexpected challenges. To help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) navigate these realities with confidence, Sun Life Philippines teamed up with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Bataan to host Coffee & Play: Power Up Your Business Game Plan.

 

Centered on the theme, "Resilience in Volatility," the event brought together Bataan-based business owners for an afternoon of learning, networking, and hands-on financial education. Participants gained practical insights on strengthening their businesses while exploring how sound financial planning can help safeguard both their enterprises and personal goals.

 

A highlight of the program was the keynote presentation, "Power Up Your Business Game Plan," delivered by entrepreneur, author, and leadership advocate Paulo Tibig. Drawing from principles discussed in his work on values-based leadership, Tibig encouraged participants to embrace a "champion leader" mindset and view volatility not as a challenge to fear, but as an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and stand out.

 

Following the keynote session, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions during a fireside chat and networking activities. The event concluded with Sun Life's signature Play for Life board game, where they explored key financial planning concepts in an engaging and collaborative setting. Through the gamified learning activity, they gained a deeper appreciation of how financial preparedness can help protect their businesses, support long-term goals, and create greater confidence in managing life's uncertainties.

 

The entrepreneurs were also introduced to Sun Future Proof, Sun Life's financial planning approach designed specifically for business owners. By aligning financial strategies with both business growth and personal milestones, it helps entrepreneurs build a stronger foundation for long-term success, no matter what stage their business is in.

 

"At Sun Life, we believe that financial security plays an important role in helping entrepreneurs pursue their ambitions with confidence," said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. "Through initiatives such as Coffee & Play and collaborations with organizations like PCCI Bataan, we aim to equip business owners not only with valuable insights but also with practical financial knowledge that can help them build resilience for themselves, their businesses, and their families."

 

To learn more about how Sun Life can help future-proof your business, visit www.sunlife.co/EntrepFinancialPlan.

7 Reasons to Discover the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair

The next great Filipino brand may be closer than you think. Behind every handcrafted accessory, woven textile, artisanal delicacy, sustainable fashion piece, and proudly Filipino product is a woman who dared to turn an idea into a business. Some are preserving generations of Filipino craftsmanship. Others are creating livelihoods for their communities. And some are already making the leap from trade fair booths to wider retail distribution.

These stories came together at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026, which opened at SM Megamall on August 10, bringing women entrepreneurs, government leaders, industry partners, and shoppers together for three days of business, learning, and meaningful connections.

Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls through SM for MSMEs, the trade fair celebrates more than what's being sold. It puts the spotlight on the remarkable women behind the brands and creates opportunities for more Filipino businesses to be seen, supported, and discovered.

Here are seven reasons why this year's trade fair is more than just a marketplace.

1. Every booth has a story waiting to be discovered. Walk through the trade fair and you'll discover more than beautiful products. You'll meet master weavers preserving generations of Filipino craftsmanship, entrepreneurs transforming family recipes into businesses, and women turning local materials and creative ideas into products that can compete in a much bigger marketplace.

For Ma. Cecilia Mina of Tinguian Ethnic Art Handloom Woven Products from Apayao, trade fairs have changed the way they reach customers. “Dati, naglalako lang kami para makabenta. Napakalaking ginhawa na nakakasali kami sa mga ganitong trade fair. Pang-limang taon na po namin dito.” Her experience captures something easily overlooked when shopping: behind every booth may be an entrepreneur who once had to go from place to place looking for customers—and who now has a marketplace where customers can discover her.

As Rosemarie Bosch Ong, President of WomenBizPH, shared during the opening, the Women Strong Network is about building not only businesses, but a community where women can learn, grow, and inspire one another, with platforms such as SM helping their stories and products reach more people.

2. You might discover your next favorite Filipino brand. From handcrafted fashion and woven home décor to artisanal food, wellness products, accessories, personal care, and sustainable lifestyle brands, the trade fair brings together a diverse collection of women-led Filipino enterprises. But the best discoveries often begin with a conversation. 

Here, shoppers can meet the entrepreneurs themselves, ask about how products are made, hear the inspiration behind a brand, and understand the work that goes into something they might otherwise simply pick up from a shelf. Every purchase supports a local entrepreneur. Every new customer expands a brand's reach. And every discovery can bring a small business one step closer to its next opportunity.

Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and culture in every creation. From contemporary Filipiniana and handwoven bags to intricate artworks and locally crafted jewelry, women-led MSMEs bring tradition to life through products that celebrate Filipino heritage while reimagining it for today’s market at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair.

3. Great entrepreneurs never stop learning. Building a successful business takes more than having a great product. The opening program reinforced the importance of continuously learning, adapting, innovating, and building the right partnerships. Government agencies, private-sector organizations, and industry leaders came together to reaffirm their support for helping women entrepreneurs become more competitive through market access, capability-building, innovation, and collaboration.

Women MSMEs connect directly with shoppers and guests at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, creating meaningful moments to share their products, tell the stories behind their brands, and build relationships that can open doors to new customers and future growth.

Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista underscored the role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, WomenBizPH, and SM for MSMEs in providing knowledge, support, and market opportunities. Day 2 continues with business talks, mentoring, and discussions on innovation and transformation to help entrepreneurs prepare for their next stage of growth.

4. Sometimes the biggest opportunity begins with a conversation. Not every measure of success happens at the checkout counter. Throughout the trade fair, entrepreneurs connect directly with shoppers, fellow founders, mentors, government representatives, and potential business partners. A conversation can become a new customer. An introduction can lead to a collaboration. A trade fair appearance can open the door to a bigger market. For MSMEs, these connections matter because growing a business isn't simply about selling more—it is also about meeting the people and finding the opportunities that can help take the business forward. 

5. Behind every product is a community and culture worth supporting. For many women entrepreneurs, their businesses represent something bigger than themselves. Sitti Go Se of Mindanao Pearl International, a third-generation business owner, works with people from her own community in Sulu who harvest the pearls and create the jewelry sold by the company. 

“Ang mga empleyado po sa amin ay mismong mga kababayan namin sa Sulu. Sila po ang umaani ng pearls at gumagawa ng jewelry. Proud Filipino po tayo—ang designs namin ay sariling atin. These events help promote our products and culture, and we get a lot of inquiries and sales through them.” Her story shows the ripple effect behind supporting a Filipino MSME: one purchase can help sustain a business, create livelihood, preserve craftsmanship, and bring a community's culture to a wider audience.

6. Success deserves to be celebrated—and shared. The Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair also creates opportunities to recognize women who continue to push their businesses forward. The celebration continues with entrepreneur learning sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitor testimonials, the Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards, and the Capstone Awards, recognizing excellence across areas such as creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, sales performance, and booth presentation. But recognition is about more than receiving an award. When the journey of one woman entrepreneur is celebrated, it can show another aspiring entrepreneur what is possible. And sometimes, seeing someone else's success is the encouragement another woman needs to finally take her own first step.

7. A trade fair can be the beginning of something much bigger. For SM Supermalls, a trade fair is more than a place to sell—it can be a pathway to growth. Through SM for MSMEs, entrepreneurs gain opportunities to be discovered, reach new customers, and take their businesses further. 

For Gloria Pantaleon, owner of Gloria’s Delicacies, that opportunity has already opened new doors. “We started by joining trade fairs, and today some of our popular products are already being distributed through SM Hypermarket. Our dream is to reach even more customers through other SM retail channels. That’s what opportunities like these can do—give a small local business like ours a pathway to become something bigger.”

Corrs Valenton, CEO of Corrsy’s Kitchen, shares a similar journey from a small start to a growing retail presence. “I started with just a small booth at SM in 2022. Today, we have grown into kiosks at SM City Fairview and SM City Bicutan. SM gave us the opportunity to be discovered, reach more customers, and turn a small beginning into a growing business.”

Their journeys reflect what Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Head of SM Communities at SM Supermalls, shared during the opening: “At SM Supermalls, we believe our role goes beyond providing places where people shop. Through SM for MSMEs, we create platforms where entrepreneurs can be discovered, local brands can flourish, and communities can thrive. Behind every great Filipino brand is an entrepreneur whose story deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.” 

Because the journey from market to mainstream can begin with one opportunity to be discovered—and the right platform to grow.

Discover the Women Behind Today's Inspiring Filipino Brands

Whether you're looking for handcrafted gifts, sustainable fashion, homegrown delicacies, or simply a story that inspires, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair offers more than a shopping experience. It is an invitation to meet the makers, discover proudly Filipino brands, and support the women building businesses that strengthen families, preserve communities, and create new possibilities.

Discover proudly Filipino flavors. From artisanal chocolates and local delicacies to bottled specialties and innovative food products, women-led MSMEs showcase the creativity and diversity of Filipino entrepreneurship at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair—giving shoppers more homegrown brands to discover, taste, and support.

Visit the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026:

SM Megamall | August 10–12

SM City Cebu | August 14–16

Because behind every booth is more than a business. It's a woman with a dream—and perhaps, the next great Filipino brand waiting to be discovered.

Security Bank and Pays0 Partner to Help Businesses Accept Payments and Move Money More Efficiently

Makati City, Philippines – From accepting online payments to paying suppliers and employees, businesses need money to move quickly and reliably. Security Bank and Pays0 Inc., a licensed Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) and payment solutions provider, have partnered to help businesses do exactly that. 

The partnership enables businesses using Pays0 to accept payments, send funds, and reconcile transactions more efficiently, making it easier to manage cash flow while giving customers faster access to their money. 

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signing at Security Bank Centre in Makati City on July 28, combines Pays0's payment platform with Security Bank's trusted banking services to support businesses as they grow and process more digital transactions. 

Whether it's an online merchant collecting customer payments, a company sending payroll, or a business paying suppliers, the partnership helps reduce manual work and keep money moving smoothly. 

"Businesses today expect payments to be as seamless as every other part of their operations," said Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head of Security Bank. "By combining Pays0's payment solutions with Security Bank's trusted banking services, we're helping businesses simplify how they collect, send, and manage payments so they can focus on serving customers and growing their business." 

The partnership also gives Pays0 the banking support to serve more businesses as demand for digital payments continues to grow, while maintaining the speed, security, and reliability its customers expect. 

“This partnership with Security Bank is an important milestone for Pays0. It brings together two organizations that share the same commitment to trust, service, and progress. We believe that meaningful partnerships like this can help make financial services more accessible and reliable for Filipinos,” said Penny Jing, CEO and Founder of Pays0. 

As more businesses embrace digital payments, partnerships between banks and fintech companies are making it easier for merchants to accept payments, automate collections and payouts, and deliver a better experience for customers. The collaboration also supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' efforts to accelerate digital payments and promote financial inclusion. 

For Security Bank, the partnership builds on its role as a trusted banking partner for fintech companies and businesses seeking modern payment solutions. It also creates opportunities to expand the Bank's transaction banking, cash management, foreign exchange, and other financial services.  

The partnership also reflects Security Bank’s commitment to helping businesses grow through practical financial solutions that make banking simpler, faster, and better. 

GCash Future-Proofs MSMEs with Customer-First Payment Innovation

The Philippines is steadily becoming a digital payments nation. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), 57.4% of retail payment transactions by volume were made digitally in 2024, up from 52.8% in 2023 and 42.1% in 2022. With the BSP targeting a digital payment share of 60% to 70% by 2028, businesses are increasingly expected to support cashless transactions. 

To help businesses keep pace with this shift, GCash continues to expand its suite of payment solutions with innovations designed to make digital payments more accessible, convenient, and secure for merchants. For MSMEs in particular, accepting digital payments can help broaden payment options, reduce cash handling, and improve operational efficiency. 

Simplifying payments at the point of sale 

GCash has built a portfolio of payment devices for every type of MSME because every business has different needs. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, GCash provides payment devices designed for different business sizes and ways of operating. This helps merchants choose the right solution, making it easier to accept digital payments and run their business more efficiently.

GCash EasyPOS is an all-in-one payment terminal for medium and large enterprises that accepts QRPh, Visa, and Mastercard payments on a single device. It helps businesses connect with GCash customers, who can enjoy rewards when they pay through the GCash app. With features like digital receipts, refunds, settlements, and transaction monitoring, GCash EasyPOS simplifies operations so merchants can focus on growing their business.

GCash SoundPay Plus is designed for micro and small merchants in the retail and F&B sectors who need secure and fast payment confirmations. It combines QR payments, card acceptance, and instant voice confirmation, so merchants know immediately when a payment is successful without checking devices or screenshots. This speeds up transactions and helps them manage busy counters with confidence.

"Digital payments should work for businesses of all sizes, especially MSMEs that are the backbone of the economy," said Ren-Ren Reyes Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc. "As more Filipinos choose to pay digitally, our goal is to make it easier for merchants to accept these payments with solutions that are simple, reliable, and built around their everyday needs." 

At the heart of it all are Filipino MSMEs. Every GCash payment solution is built by listening to their everyday challenges and understanding what they need to grow. By putting merchants at the center of innovation, GCash develops tools that make payments simpler, safer, and more convenient. More than this, GCash is creating solutions that make running a business easier, so entrepreneurs can focus on serving their customers and growing their livelihood.

Supporting businesses at every stage of their journey

The launch of GCash EasyPOS and GCash SoundPay Plus builds on earlier GCash for Business solutions that support enterprises at different stages of digital adoption, including GCash PocketPay and GCash SoundPay.

GCash PocketPay is designed for MSMEs, bazaar merchants, and mobile sellers who take their business wherever their customers are. It turns an NFC-enabled Android smartphone into a contactless card terminal, making it easy and affordable to accept card payments without investing in additional hardware. On the other hand, GCash SoundPay, a portable QR payment device, provides instant voice confirmation for every transaction.

"Digital adoption looks different for every business," said Paul Albano, General Manager of GCash for Business. "Whether they're just beginning to accept digital payments or looking to upgrade their payment capabilities, we want to provide solutions that are practical, accessible, and easy to use." 

All these payment solutions are connected through the GCash for Business Portal. From one dashboard, merchants can activate devices, monitor transactions, manage wallets, and transfer funds. Designed to be accessible, businesses can get started with just a verified GCash account, which comes with a ₱5 million wallet limit. This makes it easier to manage payments, cash flow, and daily operations in one place.

One platform with built-in security

Beyond convenience, GCash places security at the core of every transaction. Its merchant solutions integrate secure payment processing, real-time transaction confirmations, stronger authentication, and fraud protection features to help safeguard both businesses and their customers. 

These built-in security measures enable merchants to accept digital payments with greater confidence while providing customers with a safe, seamless, and reliable payment experience. 

By combining ease of use with robust security, GCash helps build trust in digital transactions and supports the broader shift toward a cashless economy. 

Helping MSMEs grow in a digital economy

As digital payments become increasingly common, the opportunity lies in helping businesses maximize their benefits. Through its growing suite of payment solutions, GCash enables MSMEs to accept more payment methods, streamline operations, lower the cost of digital adoption, and serve more customers.

With digital payments continuing to gain momentum in the Philippines, GCash remains committed to developing practical payment innovations that help businesses of all sizes participate more fully in the country's growing digital economy.

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