Philippines’ fastest growing digital bank rolls out crypto services

GoTyme, a leading digital bank in the Philippines with a customer base of 6.5 million, has introduced cryptocurrency services through a collaboration with the US-based fintech company Alpaca. The new service allows users to purchase and store 11 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT), via an automatic conversion from the Philippine peso to USD within its banking app. While it remains uncertain if GoTyme will expand its offerings to include more complex trading options, the current emphasis is on providing a straightforward and accessible user experience. According to GoTyme CEO Nate Clarke, the platform is tailored for users who prefer a hassle-free approach to buying cryptocurrencies, without the need for intricate technical knowledge or managing multiple applications. Since its inception in October 2022, GoTyme has rapidly grown, as reported by Nikkei Asia in September, amassing over 6.5 million customers in the Philippines. The bank emerged from a partnership between the Singapore-based Tyme Group and the Filipino Gokongwei Group. The GoTyme app is designed to streamline the process of setting up a bank account and debit card, which can be completed in as little as five minutes, thus facilitating easy access to cryptocurrency services. Looking ahead, GoTyme aims to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, with plans to enter the markets of Vietnam and Indonesia. This strategy aligns with the bank's ambition to capitalize on the burgeoning digital banking scene in the region. In a statement to the Digital Banker, Clarke emphasized the bank's focus on rapid expansion over immediate profitability, targeting a sustainable customer base. The Philippines has a strong track record in cryptocurrency adoption, ranking ninth in Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. The government is also considering a legislative proposal to establish a strategic reserve comprising 10,000 BTC.