Philippines’ GoTyme Bank Rolls Out Crypto Services—Traditional Finance Finally Catches Up

A major Philippine bank just tore down the wall between fiat and digital assets. GoTyme Bank's new crypto offering isn't just another wallet—it's a full-service bridge built directly into the banking app millions already use.

The Integration Play

Forget third-party exchanges with clunky interfaces and withdrawal delays. GoTyme users can now buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies alongside their peso savings and investments. The move bypasses the friction that has kept mainstream users on the sidelines, embedding crypto functionality where people already manage their money.

Why This Changes the Game

This isn't a niche fintech experiment. It's a regulated bank making a calculated bet on digital asset adoption. The service leverages the bank's existing security infrastructure and regulatory compliance, addressing the two biggest concerns for potential crypto users: trust and complexity. It turns speculative assets into just another tab in your financial dashboard.

The Regional Ripple Effect

Watch other Southeast Asian banks follow suit. GoTyme's rollout pressures competitors to offer similar services or risk losing customers to a more modern financial hub. The region, with its high mobile penetration and remittance-driven economies, is fertile ground for this hybrid model to explode.

A cynical observer might note that traditional banks only embrace innovation once it's profitable enough to threaten their old revenue streams—better late than never, we suppose. For the crypto-curious masses, the gatekeepers just handed them a key.

Focus on simplicity and security

Nate ClarkE, President and CEO of GoTyme Bank, said the crypto feature is part of the bank’s mission to help Filipinos take control of their finances. “By partnering with Alpaca, we’re bringing global expertise to local customers, ensuring they have the tools to confidently participate in the digital economy,” he said. 

Further, Clarke added that GoTyme is focused on making crypto investing SAFE and easy rather than offering complex trading tools.

Since its 2022 launch, GoTyme has grown quickly with support from Singapore’s Tyme Group and the Philippines’ Gokongwei Group. The bank’s fast onboarding lets users open an account and get a debit card in minutes, and this process now includes crypto services.

Looking ahead, GoTyme plans to expand into Vietnam and Indonesia as part of its Southeast Asia strategy. Clarke has said the bank is still in a growth phase and is prioritizing user expansion over profitability.

A growing and active market

The Philippines is among the most active crypto markets globally, ranking ninth on Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. Policymakers are looking into new blockchain initiatives. They are considering holding part of the country’s reserves in Bitcoin and placing the nation’s budget on a blockchain network for transparency.

Meanwhile, across Southeast Asia, the pace of digital banking adoption is accelerating. According to surveys, over 80% of consumers are now using digital banking services. Neobanks in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam are eyeing features related to crypto. 

GoTyme’s launch adds competitive pressure, as customers increasingly expect banking, payments, and investing on one platform, pressuring rivals to expand their digital-asset offerings.

Also Read: GNLU Begins Consultations to Shape India’s Crypto Rules