What we learned from Manila Tech Summit 2025

From August 26 to 27 at the Shangri-La Grand Ballroom in Bonifacio Global City, the Fintech Alliance of the PH hosted Manila Tech Summit 2025. The event, under the theme “Forging a New Global Order: Risks and Opportunities Redefined”, gathered some of the country’s most influential leaders in finance and tech.

As members of the Fintech Alliance, both eTap Solutions and eTap Inc. had the privilege of attending both days of the event.

Over two days, discussions spanned fintech, AI, regulation, geopolitics, and the future of work. Here are some key takeaways:
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Technology carries both opportunities and risk

From AI’s potential to transform industries to its risks without governance, the summit repeatedly underscored technology’s dual role. Leaders who opened the event, such as President Bongbong Marcos and BSP Gov. Eli Remolona stressed that while innovations like QR PH, open finance, and AI-driven services can boost inclusion and growth, they also demand frameworks for trust, ethics, and security.

Thus, the future depends on trustworthy, autonomous versions of powerful technology like AI. AI’s potential is undeniable—and at times overwhelming. In his talk, Dr. Philip Teow Huat Kwa highlighted Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework as a strong reference point for shaping future AI regulations.
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Inclusivity must come first
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Access and inclusion emerged as central priorities. Expanding internet coverage, rolling out the national ID, and creating skill-based education were highlighted as ways to ensure no Filipino is left behind. Both the workforce (upskilling for AI) and consumers (affordable, accessible finance) must benefit from innovation to prevent widening inequality.

Nowhere is the call for true inclusivity more serious than in the Philippines, where many rural areas still do not have access to reliable internet or even electricity. While working on projects harnessing the power of next generation technology is exciting, speakers at Manila Tech Summit 2025 were quick to remind people of the importance of accessibility for all.
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No collaboration, no progress
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The summit emphasized that banks, fintechs, regulators, and the government must work together. Banks bring scale and trust; fintechs bring speed and reach; policymakers bring enabling frameworks. Together, they can rewire credit, capital markets, and governance systems, whether through blockchain budgets, shared KYC systems, or cross-border lending.
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Just days after the event concluded, Senator Bam Aquino submitted a bill proposing the establishment of a National Budget Blockchain System to enhance transparency, ensure accountability, and encourage greater public involvement in the nation’s budget process. Groups such as Fintech Alliance PH have thrown their full support behind the bill, urging the government to pass it into law to encourage greater transparency and accountability—a true example of the type of collaboration necessary to spur progress.

At eTap Solutions, we’re always supporting larger initiatives that accelerate true financial inclusion for all Filipinos. By attending events such as Manila Tech Summit 2025, we’re finding out the best ways we can contribute not just to the industry, but also to the nation.

Interested in placing an eTap kiosk right in your store? Reach out to the official eTap Solutions LinkedIn page!

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Article by Pancho Dizon

Graphic by Brennan Cahilig

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