Revolut Establishes Second Asia-Pacific Tech Hub in Manila, Bolstering Strategic Expansion in Growing Digital Economy

Revolut, the UK-based fintech firm, has announced the establishment of its second Asia-Pacific technology hub in Manila, Philippines, signaling a strategic expansion into the region’s growing digital economy. The Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) confirmed the initiative, which follows the company’s 2021 launch of its first Asian hub in India [31]. The Manila hub, designated a Global Capability Center, will focus on engineering, financial-crime prevention, and product innovation to support Revolut’s operations in markets including Japan, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand [31].

The Philippine government has positioned the move as a key milestone in its efforts to attract global tech and financial innovation, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader economic vision. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, who has spearheaded investor outreach in London, Davos, and Manila, described the hub as a “commitment to the Filipino people,” emphasizing its potential to generate high-quality jobs and accelerate the country’s digital transformation [31]. The DOF highlighted Revolut’s investment as a testament to the Philippines’ economic momentum and access to a skilled labor force, further cementing the nation’s reputation as a competitive destination for foreign investment [31].

Raymond Ng, Revolut Southeast Asia’s chief executive officer, attributed the decision to the Philippines’ young, tech-savvy population, a demographic he described as “very mobile savvy” and “into learning about all things money” [31]. Ng emphasized that the hub would amplify digital upskilling initiatives and complement government efforts to build a future-ready workforce, aligning with Revolut’s mission to empower consumers through financial tools [31]. The investment underscores the company’s confidence in the Philippines’ potential to serve as a regional innovation hub, leveraging its proximity to key Asian markets.

The Manila hub will join Revolut’s existing network of operations in the Asia-Pacific, including its first Asian hub in India. The expansion reflects the firm’s broader strategy to scale its footprint in the region, where it has seen significant demand for its digital banking services. By establishing a center of excellence in Manila, Revolut aims to enhance its ability to address regional challenges such as fraud prevention and cross-border financial services while supporting the Philippines’ digital economy agenda [31].

The move is expected to catalyze further investment in the Philippines’ fintech ecosystem, which has seen increased adoption of digital payment solutions and blockchain technologies in recent years. Analysts suggest that Revolut’s entry could intensify competition in the local market, though the company has not yet announced specific plans for consumer-facing services in the Philippines [31].

Source: [31] British fintech giant Revolut to establish hub in PH, [https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255431]