More News Online Sources 12 Feb 2026 views ( )

Asian Development Bank Provides $30 Million Credit Facility to GCash’s Fuse Financing Inc

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fuse Financing Inc.—the lending arm of GCash, the Philippines’ leading fintech platform—have launched a landmark $30 million loan program aimed at accelerating the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. This initiative marks the first collaboration of its kind between ADB and a fintech company in the ASEAN region.

“This fintech partnership is ADB’s first of its kind in ASEAN and represents a significant step forward for financial inclusion in the Philippines,” said Isabel Chatterton, Director General of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department.

As of 2024, the Philippines had 1.24 million registered businesses, over 99% of which are MSMEs. Despite their critical role in the economy, access to financing remains a major constraint. According to ADB research, difficulty in obtaining credit and capital ranks second only to market access as the top challenge faced by MSMEs. Without reliable funding, many small businesses are forced to shut down within 12 months of operation.[1]

“This investment enables us to accelerate support for women entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved communities—segments with immense potential to drive the country’s long-term economic growth,” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.

“Our partnership with ADB strengthens the foundation of our sustainable and inclusive growth strategy, reaffirming our commitment to helping MSMEs scale and amplify their impact,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

The Mastercard Impact Fund, managed by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, also contributed funding to help Fuse effectively reach and serve priority MSME segments.

Over 250 MSME representatives gathered in Taguig City to witness the signing of this milestone agreement. Ten MSMEs nominated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received initial capital support to advance their business operations.

“The significance of this partnership goes beyond the financing amount—it lies in its core objective: ensuring that capital reaches entrepreneurs with high potential who have long been overlooked by traditional financial systems,” said Ma. Cristina Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. “By aligning public-sector priorities with private-sector innovation, this collaboration helps expand access to formal, fair, and sustainable financing for MSMEs across the Philippines.”

Source: GCash