British fintech giant Revolut to set up second Asia tech hub in Manila
By Derco Rosal
British financial technology (fintech) giant Revolut is set to enter the Philippine market by establishing its second Global Tech Hub in Asia, as part of its goal to reach 100 million customers worldwide.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 30, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the entry of Revolut in the local market has been secured by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto through sustained dialogues with foreign investors.
Recto has led engagements with foreign investors last year in London, United Kingdom (UK), and this year in Davos, Switzerland, and Manila. In these dialogues, the Philippines was advertised as a rising hub of global fintech innovation.
During his visit to the Philippines, Revolut Southeast Asia CEO Raymond Ng committed to fast-tracking the firm’s operations in the country.
Ng said the Philippines is “a very interesting market because we can see that it’s a very young population with a lot of talent, very mobile savvy, very into learning about all things money.”
He noted that the fintech firm focuses mainly on “bringing value to the consumer so that they learn about the financial services.”
Recto noted that the firm’s tech hub in Manila “will generate high-quality jobs, expand our digital capabilities, and empower Filipinos with cutting-edge financial tools. This is a clear product of our global roadshows turning investment pledges into reality.”
For its part, Revolut said its decision to set up in Manila reflects “strong confidence in the country’s economic momentum and deep talent pool.” To support this status, Revolut said the hub will help upskill the digital workforce as well as help the government’s campaign to build “a future-ready digital economy.”
This entry was announced after the recent Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in London. It can be recalled that Recto made efforts to woo foreign businesses to invest in the Philippines, citing the country’s “compelling investment fundamentals, including a stable macroeconomic environment, resilient fiscal framework, robust middle class, and an accelerating digital shift.”
Revolut’s upcoming Manila tech hub will be its second in Asia, following the launch of its first in India in 2021.
Revolut operates in major Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand. With over 60 million users worldwide, the fintech’s presence in Manila is expected to support its expansion in Southeast Asia.