GoTyme, a digital bank serving millions in the Philippines, has started offering direct access to cryptocurrencies through its app — a move that could widen retail participation in digital assets across the region.

Through its partnership with U.S. fintech firm Alpaca, GoTyme customers can now acquire a curated list of cryptoassets directly within their banking interface. The service automatically converts Philippine pesos to U.S. dollars behind the scenes, allowing users to purchase Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, Polkadot and other supported assets without navigating multiple platforms.

CEO Nate Clarke framed the strategy around accessibility rather than trading sophistication, arguing that newcomers want trusted entry points rather than deep charting tools or speculative features.

The Platform’s Rapid Rise

GoTyme entered the Philippine market in late 2022 and swiftly grew to over 6.5 million account holders, aided by its “five-minute banking” proposition. The bank is jointly backed by Singapore’s Tyme Group and the Gokongwei Group, one of the country’s most prominent conglomerates.

The new crypto service arrives as GoTyme prepares to extend its footprint into Vietnam and Indonesia, positioning itself in Southeast Asia’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem. Leadership has openly stated that the company is prioritizing scale over profit until at least 2027, believing that user engagement today sets the foundation for long-term monetization.

Crypto-Friendly Philippines Sets the Stage

GoTyme’s timing aligns with a national environment increasingly receptive to digital assets. The Philippines ranks ninth in Chainalysis’ global crypto adoption index, and lawmakers are actively debating whether the central bank should accumulate Bitcoin reserves.

In that context, a regulated bank bringing curated crypto access to millions could prove a catalyst — and a differentiator — as Southeast Asia’s neo-banking competition intensifies.