In a landmark move for financial inclusion, Fuse Financing, the credit division of GCash operator Mynt, has forged a strategic alliance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Mastercard Impact Fund. The partnership, officially witnessed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque, establishes a groundbreaking ₱1.75 billion ($30 million) credit facility aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines.
Driving Inclusive Finance for Filipino MSMEs
The ceremonial signing, titled “Driving Inclusive Finance for Filipino MSMEs,” took place on Friday, February 6, 2026. Secretary Roque emphasized the initiative's critical alignment with the Bagong Pilipinas vision, stating that while ambition fuels success, practical tools are essential. Financing is the lifeblood of MSMEs, she remarked. Without it, they cannot move as fast as they envision. This facility marks the first of its kind for a fintech firm in the ASEAN region, showcasing robust confidence in the country's digital innovation ecosystem.
Innovative Credit Access Through AI Technology
Central to this partnership is the utilization of GCash’s GScore, an artificial intelligence-powered system that assesses creditworthiness based on users' digital behavior. This innovative approach allows entrepreneurs to circumvent traditional obstacles such as collateral requirements and extensive paperwork, streamlining the loan process significantly. Beyond the substantial capital injection, ADB is contributing $125,000 (approximately ₱7.3 million) in technical assistance. This funding will help Fuse develop customized financial products and deliver targeted financial and digital literacy training, with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, particularly those with limited formal education.
Catalytic Support and Expanded Reach
Complementing this effort, the Mastercard Impact Fund is providing $150,000 (around ₱8.7 million) in catalytic funding to enhance Fuse’s outreach and prioritize key MSME segments. Secretary Roque highlighted the DTI’s commitment to opening doors for individuals historically marginalized by traditional banking systems. She specifically advocated for extending these digital credit tools to palengke (public markets), where vendors often resort to high-interest informal loans to manage daily inventory needs. We must not underestimate small businesses because many of our giants started at home, she asserted. If we level up our MSMEs, we level up the entire Philippine economy.
Private Sector Collaboration and Economic Impact
The collaboration has garnered strong endorsement from private sector leaders, who underscored its profound human impact. Tony Isidro, Chief Executive Officer of Fuse Financing, noted that the platform is revolutionizing access by offering a faster and more transparent loan experience nationwide. Subhashini Chandran, senior vice president at Mastercard, emphasized that access to credit is fundamentally about dignity and giving businesses a fair chance to grow. Christine Engstrom of ADB pointed out a stark disparity: while MSMEs constitute 99% of businesses in the Philippines, they receive only 3.9% of total bank loans. This partnership aims to bridge that gap, integrating millions of Filipinos into the formal financial sector.
Recognizing Resilient MSMEs
The event culminated in the awarding of capitalization support to ten MSMEs nominated by the DTI for their demonstrated resilience and growth potential. The distinguished awardees include:
- Shekierl's RTW Shop
- Three-Cord Braided Bakery
- Cattwrites Bags and Accessories Shop
- Merly's Craftcha Recycled Products
- Dreamerscorner PH Events Management Services
- Echel's Home Made Peanut Butter
- M.M.S-PSGA Online Shop
- CAKE'LAB Cakes and Pastries Shop
- Vitoy’s Panciteria
- VSC General Merchandise
Through this synergistic alliance of innovation and capital, the DTI and its private partners are paving the way for any Filipino entrepreneur—whether operating from a home kitchen or a local market—to have a genuine opportunity to transform their aspirations into reality. This initiative not only fuels economic growth but also reinforces the pivotal role of MSMEs and creative industries as centerpieces of the upcoming ASEAN 2026 hosting.
