The Philippines stands on the cusp of a financial revolution, poised to become a global leader in “tokenized-first” capital markets. A new analysis suggests a staggering $60 billion in assets could be tokenized by 2030, fundamentally reshaping how Filipinos invest and interact with their finances.
This isn’t a futuristic prediction; the foundation is already in place. Unlike many nations struggling to build the necessary infrastructure, the Philippines boasts widespread adoption of digital wallets – a critical component for seamless tokenization. Millions already possess the technology needed to participate in this emerging market.
The potential is immense, driven by a unique demographic landscape. While 14% of Filipinos currently hold cryptocurrencies, a surprisingly low 5% have access to traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Tokenization offers a powerful bridge, opening doors to financial participation for a vast, underserved population.
Major mobile wallets – GCash, PDAX, Maya, and Coins.ph – are already equipped with blockchain-enabled wallets. This existing network eliminates the need for costly and complex infrastructure overhauls, paving the way for rapid and widespread distribution of tokenized investment products.
Public equities are predicted to lead the charge, representing a $26 billion opportunity, closely followed by government bonds at $24 billion. Mutual funds and other assets will contribute significantly as well, collectively representing approximately 5% of the total value of deposits and securities by the end of the decade.
The impact is already being felt. Government bonds, through initiatives like GBonds, have seen a near doubling of bondholders, demonstrating the power of increased accessibility. Tokenization is breaking down barriers, allowing those previously excluded to participate in the financial system.
Investments in tokenized form have already reached nearly P1 billion, a testament to the growing momentum. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza emphasizes the revolutionary nature of this access, enabling broader participation in retail Treasury bonds and even regular auctions.
The government is actively collaborating with banks to integrate government securities directly into their mobile platforms, further democratizing access to financial instruments and solidifying the Philippines’ position as a pioneer in the tokenized asset revolution.
