Watch: Ida Tiongson on digital assets in the Philippine market

Naomi Day
Written by Naomi Day

In this edition of SiGMAs Business to Government (B2G) series, Ida Tiongson, Board Member at Fintech Alliance PH, discusses the Philippines evolving blockchain landscape and how digital assets are reshaping governance and trust.

Blockchain as a tool for transparency and trust

Tiongson emphasises that blockchain technology offers decentralisation, verifiable transparency, resilience and immutability. These features are key to promoting trust within both the public and the private sectors. For regulators, blockchain is not a threat, its an enabler, explains Tiongson. It allows accountability, traceability and tamper-proof verification, all essential for modern governance.

She also highlights blockchains potential to combat fraud, referencing global examples where its use has significantly reduced identity theft and financial crime.

An emerging blockchain leader

Backed by strong support from government agencies such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of ICT, the Philippines is rapidly becoming a regional leader in blockchain adoption.

Key milestones include the release of the Philippine Blockchain Report, which provides insights into the countrys growing ecosystem of blockchain players, technologies and innovations. Additionally, the recent SEC framework for crypto asset providers marks a significant step in establishing regulatory clarity for digital assets.

Global collaboration

Tiongson underlines the importance of sandbox environments, which allow businesses to experiment with blockchain solutions under the supervision of regulators. This approach reduces risk while fostering innovation.

The Philippines openness to emerging technologies mirrors trends seen in other ASEAN nations like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, although Tiongson believes the Philippines is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role. With proactive regulators and an innovation-friendly government, we have the foundation to become a top player in blockchain governance, she says.

Building a trust driven digital economy

Tiongson concludes that blockchain technology, combined with government support and regulatory innovation, can help create a secure, transparent and inclusive digital economy in the Philippines. As global attention turns to Southeast Asia’s digital growth, the Philippines is increasingly viewed as a forward-thinking hub for blockchain solutions.

As digital assets, blockchain and regulatory innovation reshape global markets, SiGMA Euro-Med returns to Malta from 01-03 September 2025. With 400+ exhibitors, 400+ speakers and 12,000 delegates, this is where technology leaders, regulators and innovators come together to drive transparency, foster collaboration and shape the future of the digital economy.