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GCash-backed Fuse to topple '5-6' lending
Manila Bulletin
|February 9, 2026
The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) first-ever fintech lending facility in Asia signals a pivot toward digitizing credit in the Philippines, as GCash lending arm Fuse Financing Inc. seeks to displace the informal “5-6” lending market that has long dominated the local economy.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremonial signing with Fuse, Suhail Khan, ADB director for private sector financial institutions, said the $30 million credit facility (around P1.75 billion) is designed as the foundation for a multiyear partnership rather than a standalone transaction.
“ADB strongly believes in long-term partnerships. Obviously, this is not a one-off. We really hope that this first experience for both sides will be very positive and that it will enable us to continue this partnership,” Khan said.
Under such long-term partnership, Fuse will be able to tap ADB for additional liquidity whenever credit demand surges. ADB also noted that this is its first fintech lending facility in Asia.
This story is from the February 9, 2026 edition of Manila Bulletin.
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