In a significant move for the Philippine fintech sector, leading finance super app GCash has become the country's sole founding partner in the international Mastercard Global Financial Health Coalition. Announced on January 7, 2026, this partnership positions GCash to share its mobile-first expertise with a global network focused on advancing financial health and resilience in emerging economies.
Sharing Philippine Fintech Innovation on a Global Stage
Representing GCash through its lending arm, Fuse Financing Inc., President and CEO Tony Isidro will contribute the company's knowledge on scaling financial inclusion through technology. The coalition, which includes other global innovators like DANA, TrueMoney, and MTN Group Fintech, aims to connect people with the right digital tools to build protective financial habits and long-term stability.
"GCash has transformed how millions of Filipinos manage their money—bringing secure, digital financial services into everyday life," Isidro stated. He emphasized that through Fuse Financing, the platform has democratized lending, making credit fairer and more accessible, especially for the unbanked. "By joining this coalition, we aim to extend that impact beyond our borders," he added.
Beyond Account Opening: Building Trust and Consistent Use
Isidro highlighted a critical industry challenge: simply opening a financial account is not enough to ensure well-being. Real progress depends on whether users trust, understand, and regularly use financial tools. Technology is central to fostering this behavior by strengthening security and simplifying transactions.
Despite rapid digital adoption in the Philippines, a gap remains. A Mastercard study reveals that 49.8% of Filipino adults still lack a formal financial account, limiting their access to savings, credit, and insurance crucial for stability. Fuse Financing has addressed this by offering simple, secure credit products directly within the GCash app, leading to increased lending activity and a shift in user financial behavior.
The Path to a More Inclusive Digital Economy
The Philippine experience demonstrates how fintech can reach communities underserved by traditional banks. Mastercard's analysis supports that combining digital and physical tools helps people build consistent financial habits, with technology acting as a key driver of trust.
"We look forward to learning from fellow coalition members whose diverse experiences and best practices can help us further elevate our solutions," Isidro said. As the coalition progresses, GCash's experience in driving adoption and responsible borrowing will contribute to a broader regional effort. The ultimate goal is to build a digital economy where more individuals have the tools and confidence to achieve financial advancement.
For more information, you can visit www.gcash.com.
