GCash opens door for Filipinos to join IPOs—Maynilad launches first

• Photo from Gcash

By TechWatch PH Staff

Everyday Filipinos can now participate in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) more conveniently through GCash, as the e-wallet platform launches a new IPO subscription feature on GStocks PH in partnership with AB Capital Securities Inc.

The feature debuts alongside the Maynilad IPO, with subscriptions open from October 23 to 29 through the GStocks PH section of the GCash app. It enables users to open a stock trading account, fund it using their GCash wallet, and subscribe to IPO shares directly—all in one platform.

GCash said the feature simplifies what was once a fragmented and uncertain process for retail investors. Previously, IPO participation often took place outside of brokers’ main platforms and offered limited visibility on share allocation.

Through the new system, investors can view in real time how many shares remain available for subscription and immediately confirm whether their purchase has been allocated. Shares are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring transparency and fairness, especially when IPOs are oversubscribed.

“Through GStocks PH, we’re ushering in a completely digital IPO experience that addresses traditional barriers that limited how ordinary Filipinos participated in public listings in the past,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

He added, “We aim to extend the same ease of access and convenience experienced by institutional investors to individual investors while ensuring a secure, transparent, and compliant investment environment for all. The rollout of this feature ensures public offerings are truly open to the public.”

AB Capital Securities Inc. Research Head Hazel Tanedo-Tan said the partnership supports the company’s goal of making investing more inclusive. 

“Through our continued partnership with GCash, AB Capital Securities is proud to make IPOs more accessible to Filipinos by bringing a fully digital experience via GStocks PH,” Tanedo-Tan said.

Fully verified GCash users can access the feature by registering for GStocks PH under GInvest in the app. The IPO subscription function will remain available for future IPOs and follow-on offerings (FOOs).

GCash continues to expand its suite of inclusive financial tools to empower Filipinos to build wealth and participate in the country’s growing investment landscape.