Inclusivity must remain a priority within Asian economies amid the increasingly widespread adoption of emergent technologies like artificial intelligence (#AI), according to a panel discussion among global policymakers and top business figures at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, represented the Philippines’ fintech industry and its contributions to the country’s economic resilience at the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
Sazon participated in the WEF panel session titled "Leaving Asia's Comfort Zone", which explored the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in driving inclusive economic growth. She shared the panel with government leaders, policy experts, and top industry figures, including Gan Kim Yong, Singapore deputy prime minister; Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand minister of commerce; Milton Cheng, global chair of USA’s Baker McKenzie; and Angela Wang Nan, chairman of the American and European sectors of China-based Neusoft, with Haslinda Amin, Bloomberg’s chief international correspondent for Southeast Asia, moderating.
GCash’s AI-Powered Financial Inclusion Initiatives
Sazon shared with her co-panelists and the WEF the success of GCash in driving financial inclusion by leveraging AI-powered fintech solutions and collaborating with government agencies and private sector partners.
“GCash has worked toward using tech, data, and customer-centricity to address societal issues,” stressed Sazon, highlighting the goal of GCash in ensuring the benefits of harnessed technologies can be felt by all. “At the heart of what we do, really, is financial inclusion.”
As part of its Finance For All vision, GCash has adopted AI-driven credit scoring through GScore, which evaluates a user’s creditworthiness based on in-app activity. This innovation has enabled underserved users to access credit without traditional documentary requirements or collateral. Read more about GCash’s AI-powered lending services and digital credit solutions on GCash AI-Powered Lending Services Break Barriers.
Enhancing User Experience and Security Through AI
Beyond financial inclusion, GCash has integrated artificial intelligence to create personalized user experiences via its customer relationship management system.
Sazon explained, “A big part that AI can provide is personalization, allowing us to tailor-fit solutions that address the specific financial needs of each segment.” She also emphasized that AI-powered security measures, such as face recognition technology, have strengthened fraud prevention efforts. Learn more about GCash’s role in global sustainability and fintech advancements in GCash on the Global Sustainability Stage at WEF.
Additionally, GCash’s AI-driven fraud detection and digital security efforts have been instrumental in protecting millions of users from cyber threats. Discover how GCash is combating digital fraud and phishing scams in Globe Reiterates Warning Against Spoofed SMS and Online Scams.
The Role of AI in Accelerating the Intelligent Age in Asia-Pacific
The panel discussion also focused on generative AI and its transformative impact on the Asia-Pacific region, moving it from the industrial era into the Intelligent Age. By 2030, AI is projected to contribute USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy, with the Philippines potentially benefiting from USD 47 billion annually. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to accelerate AI adoption.
Sazon emphasized that effective AI adoption relies on human-AI collaboration, highlighting the need for businesses to invest in upskilling employees and fostering public-private partnerships. Read more about how AI is shaping the future of financial technology in the Philippines in GCash Champions Ethical AI Use and Fintech Innovation.
Bridging Financial Gaps for MSMEs and the Unbanked Population
Sazon also underscored the importance of innovation in fostering inclusivity, especially for farmers, small traders, and millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Before the pandemic, the Philippines had a highly unbanked population, with only 29% of Filipinos having bank accounts,” she noted. “Through fintech adoption, the banked rate has surged to 65%, with even more individuals now having access to digital financial services.”
This transformation began with the introduction of the first-ever eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process in the Philippines, followed by seamless cashless transactions. GCash now serves over 94 million users, offering digital loans, investment opportunities, and insurance solutions at their fingertips. Learn how GCash is empowering MSMEs and businesses with digital financial tools in GCash Equips Businesses with Digital Payment and Lending Solutions.
Commitment to Responsible AI and Financial Innovation
Sazon expressed optimism about the role of AI in the future of fintech, stating that responsible AI adoption will play a crucial role in securing financial inclusion.
She concluded the panel by emphasizing Asia’s agility and adaptability in adopting emerging technologies, saying, "We are excited to adopt, adapt, and innovate. Our culture of resilience and collaboration will help us leapfrog into the Intelligent Age."
Discover more about GCash’s vision for AI-driven financial solutions and responsible fintech innovation in GCash Leads Global Fintech Conversations on AI and Digital Finance.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) continues to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the role of technology in solving economic and societal challenges. The theme for 2025, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” highlights the importance of public-private cooperation in driving innovation and sustainable growth.