Ant International, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and GCash have partnered to develop a first-of-its-kind Sustainability Impact Scorecard designed to expand access to sustainable financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.
The initiative aims to simplify how MSMEs track their environmental and social impact, adopt sustainable business practices, and align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. By leveraging the GCash ecosystem and localized metrics, the scorecard will provide Filipino entrepreneurs with clear, accessible insights to strengthen business credibility and unlock growth opportunities.
MSMEs account for 99.6% of businesses in the Philippines and employ over two-thirds of the workforce, yet access to financing remains a persistent challenge. The Sustainability Impact Scorecard is positioned as a practical benchmark, enabling businesses to demonstrate sustainability performance and connect with investors and lenders focused on green financing.
Winsley Bangit, Group Head for New Businesses at GCash, described the initiative as a “game-changer” for MSMEs, offering visibility into environmental and social impact while enhancing credibility to attract capital and partnerships. Carrie Suen, Vice President and Head of Global Affairs and Strategic Development at Ant International, emphasized the role of technology, including AI, in enabling MSMEs to participate in sustainable digital transformation. Meanwhile, Christina Ongoma of IFC highlighted the importance of equipping MSMEs with tools that support resilience and long-term sustainable growth.
The partnership builds on discussions at the COP30 and aligns with Ant International’s Programme Sirius, launched in 2024 to help MSMEs begin their sustainability journey. With GCash as a pilot partner, the initiative seeks to translate global sustainability commitments into actionable digital solutions tailored to underserved communities in the Philippines.
The scorecard will roll out in phases, beginning with ecosystem assessments and stakeholder engagement, followed by development, validation, and field testing. Insights from the pilot are expected to inform potential expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
Ultimately, the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing inclusive digital finance by equipping MSMEs with practical, data-driven ESG tools—enabling them to scale responsibly, integrate sustainability into everyday operations, and access opportunities previously beyond reach.
