Financial technology (fintech) is fast gaining traction not only in Asia but the world. This is what Seamless Philippines saw when the organizers brought the conference on e-commerce, retail payments, fintech, and ID in the country last month.

According to a 2015 Accenture report, “global investment in fintech ventures tripled from $4.05 billion in 2013 to $12.2 billion in 2014 and has been increasing since.” The Philippines, albeit slowly, is also adopting into the cashless and e-commerce ecosystem.

Seamless Philippines 2018 provided a venue for businesses to learn and shop for partners if they intend to go into the new environment. It featured more than 165 speakers from the public and private sectors where many of them discussed industry strategies, trends, and disruptions that will help the Philippine companies and enterprises embrace digital innovations in business.

Key government speakers included Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), James Jimenez, spokesperson of the Commission on Elections, Undersecretary Lisa Bersales of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Gilbert Santos, director for Legal and Enforcement Office of the National Privacy Commission, Rene Mendoza, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute at the Department of Science and Technology, Antonette Torres, consultant program manager of DICT; Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos of Makati City; and Rep. Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWA Party List.

Event attendees of Seamless Philippines 2018 came from across the entire ecosystem of commerce industry such as e-tailers, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), travel and transport, entertainment, banks and financial institutions, media, and food and beverage, among others. The wide-scale audience and participants created a thriving conjunction where business deals were closed and partnerships were forged.

Seamless Philippines 2018 was sponsored by National Link, Quad X, Veritas Pay, and GrabPay. The exhibition showcased the latest and most innovative technology solutions and products represented by over 80 local and international exhibitors.