Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for 99.5% of businesses in the Philippines. Yet, a large majority still rely on cash transactions and informal financing, limiting business expansion and leaving them vulnerable during economic disruptions.
During the BusinessWorld Economic Forum 2026, themed “Advancing the ASEAN Agenda: Turning Regional Vision to Corporate Action,” business executives and policymakers discussed the growing need to accelerate digital adoption among MSMEs as Southeast Asia pushes deeper economic integration.
Among the panelists was Paul Albano, general manager of GCash for Business, who highlighted how digitalization could help small enterprises widen market access and gain access to formal credit systems.
Mr. Albano said the low level of digital adoption today provides one of the largest opportunities for the financial technology sector.
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