Watch: Marco Antonio Urera explores stablecoins, biometrics, and fintech innovation in the Philippines
At SiGMA Asia, Lea Hogg sat down with Marco Antonio Urera, Board Director at DFNN Inc., to discuss the Philippines pivotal role in digital finance, stablecoin innovation, and the future of tech adoption across Asias gaming and banking sectors. With over two decades of experience and a leadership role in DFNN subsidiary iWave, Urera shared insights into the regions regulatory environment, the rise of e-wallets, and how biometrics and AI are reshaping user experiences.
A maturing digital asset landscape
Through DFNNs iWave, Urera is driving efforts around biometric tech, unified messaging systems, and artificial intelligence. Central to this is the exploration of stablecoins and cross-border digital asset flows.
The world is getting smaller, and everyone is looking to offer their services on a global scale, Urera noted, pointing to the role of special economic zones in Bataan and Cagayan in enabling such cross-border expansion.
Stablecoins remain a developing concept in the Philippines. While regulators are still finding their footing, Urera revealed that regulatory sandboxes are already allowing firms like DFNN to test real-world applications. Technology has been adopting faster than the regulators can catch up, he explained. We show them how it works, build trust, and from there, regulation follows.
Striking a regulatory balance
While innovation continues at pace, Urera is candid about the double-edged sword of regulation. Overregulation can shoot you in the foot, he remarked. Yes, you want to protect investors and consumers, but you also risk slowing down innovation.
He emphasised the importance of educating regulators and promoting transparency to foster an environment that encourages growth, investment, and adoption. The success of e-wallets in the Philippines is a prime example. My kids dont even use cash anymore. They just ask me to send money to their e-wallets, he said. With over 95 million Filipinos reportedly using digital wallets, the demand for contactless and frictionless solutions is expected to continue increasing.
The pressure on traditional banks
Urera was unequivocal about the future of banking in a digital-first world. Traditional banks will become dinosaurs if they don’t adapt, he warned. The shift towards mobile banking, wearable payment devices, and online stock trading shows no signs of slowing. Electronic forms of currency are being adopted in retail, gaming, lottery, and even stock trading, he added.
The key lies in understanding behavioural change, especially among younger demographics who are quick to adopt technology and abandon legacy systems that no longer serve their needs.
Biometrics and AI redefine the gaming experience
Looking ahead, Urera sees enormous potential in biometric verification and AI within gaming and beyond. He highlighted real-world applications in international airports where facial recognition has replaced passports, noting how similar technology is already being used for banking authentication.
When biometrics and AI work together, it personalises the user experience, Urera said. From recognising player preferences to ensuring secure and frictionless access, these technologies are poised to elevate both security and engagement across gaming platforms. However, adoption hinges on regulatory readiness. If the regulators choose to adopt, they must create enabling frameworks. If they choose to slow it down, the whole cycle slows with it.
