As the Philippines pushes deeper into the digital economy, fintech firm eTap is betting that the future of financial inclusion will not be purely digital.
Instead, the company sees growth in what it calls a “phygital” model, combining physical touchpoints with digital financial services to reach millions of Filipinos who remain outside the traditional banking system.
Marking its 11th year in business, Electronic Transfer & Advance Processing Inc. (eTap) said it is expanding its nationwide ecosystem to bring digital transactions closer to underserved communities, where cash remains dominant despite the rapid adoption of e-wallets and online payments.
The strategy reflects a reality often overlooked in discussions about digital transformation: while financial services are becoming increasingly digital, many Filipinos still rely on cash as their primary means of transacting.
Founded in 2015 by Chairman Percy Hernandez and Chief Executive Officer Marlon Portugal with just two employees, eTap has grown into a nationwide operation with more than 1,000 employees across over 70 offices. Its network now spans more than 7,000 self-service kiosks, serving over 16 million unique users through services ranging from bill payments and e-wallet top-ups to other everyday financial transactions.
The company’s growth highlights the enduring demand for accessible payment channels that bridge the gap between cash-based consumers and digital platforms.
Supporting this expansion is an integrated ecosystem composed of eTap Solutions Inc., which operates the kiosk network, and eTap Management Services Inc., which oversees cash management and machine maintenance. Together, the businesses support more than 800 partner billers, government agencies and institutions, allowing them to extend their reach without building additional branches.
As more organizations migrate services online, eTap expects demand for convenient cash-to-digital access points to continue rising.
To mark its next chapter, the company has unveiled a refreshed corporate identity that reflects ambitions extending beyond payments into integrated hardware, software and cash management solutions.
eTap believes the next frontier of financial inclusion may not be about replacing cash altogether, but making it easier for Filipinos to participate in an increasingly digital economy.
