Planting Seeds of Hope: A Year of Growth with Tala and Greater Financial Access

 Over the last twelve months, Tala Philippines has planted the seed of hope for the Global Majority with a belief that every small act of cultivation holds the promise of significant change. And true enough, 2025 has seen success and sustained growth for Tala as it actively diversified the tools of empowerment beyond just credit, bringing financial access closer to many Filipinos in need.

This year, Tala Philippines has reached 4.5 million customers nationwide, a record-breaking number to its expanding customer base. This, coupled with over 28 million total disbursed loans amounting to Php 137 billion, reflects Filipinos’ increasing trust in Tala as their financial partner for long-term growth. It also reaffirms its commitment of advancing financial inclusion for the underbanked population. 

Tala Philippines empowers the Global Majority to grow and achieve their goals through increased access to credit and financial education.

Moving beyond loan access, the company also launched its new campaign, TALAverse: Patas Na Ang Laban! that aims to actively promote fairness and equal access to financial services for all. Through this narrative, it shows how Tala levels the playing field by providing flexible and convenient online credit that ensures foundation and opportunity to grow, succeed, and rise above life’s challenges.

 

As the highlight of the event, Tala introduced award-winning actress, mom, and entrepreneur, Judy Ann Santos, as its very first brand ambassador. Since entering the Philippines in 2017, Tala has finally chosen the face that best embodies its promise to its customers: that Tala can be Filipinos’ “kasangga sa laban ng buhay” in a world where financial empowerment is a superpower, and that the everyday Filipinos (mothers, workers, dreamers) get to be the heroes in their own life transformations. 

 

Tala also took this year to further boost its social media engagement with a fresh digital initiative of a TikTok game filter within the TALAverse campaign. This interactive branded mission was developed in collaboration with influencers and offered users a chance to win raffle prizes by simply using the filter, uploading the video, and following the entry guidelines. 

As part of expanding its reach, Tala also brought its flagship financial literacy program, TALAkayan with Salve Ibañez, from in-person workshops into the digital space. These online episodes are released every Saturday across Tala Philippines’ official Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok pages, highlighting the company’s efforts to help Filipinos navigate their financial journeys.

 

This strengthened commitment to building a financially informed and empowered Philippines did not go unnoticed as it garnered distinction from award-giving bodies, gaining momentum and recognition locally and in Asia.

 

Notably, Tala’s workshop series, TALAkayan with Salve Ibañez, has been presented with a Bronze Stevie® Award at the Asia Pacific Stevie® Awards held in Seoul, South Korea last May for the Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications category. In the same year, TALAkayan was also given an Excellence Award and got recognition in the Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility category at the Philippine Quill Awards.

These accolades demonstrate that true innovation lies more than just high-tech solutions, and even something as simple as engaging in conversations on the realities of the Global Majority can be instrumental in moving the nation closer to its financial inclusion goals.

 

At the same time, the company also supported different anti-fraud efforts that foster stakeholder collaboration such as the Anti-Fraud Symposium of the Consumer Lending Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CLAP) and the Manila Tech Summit that talked about the future of finance and AI, believing that these events help set industry benchmarks for responsible lending and consumer protection. 

 

2025 is also the year that Tala earned its Great Place To Work certification and actively engaged in grassroots work with its CSR partnership with non-profit organization, Project PEARLS. Through this outreach, Tala was able to support impoverished communities in Tondo, Manila by sponsoring the education of 20 scholars and raising their awareness on the importance of financial literacy. 

 

Berla, a Tala user from Baseco, Manila was also among the many individuals whose lives have been transformed by Tala's support. She was able to manage a sari-sari store using her Tala loan as capital and supplements her income by transporting goods across the lake via boat. She shared how it was hard for her to land a job, instead, she decided to make her own opportunity by starting her own business– a shining example of how Tala is able to change many Filipinos’ lives for the better.

 

“It’s truly been a year of growth for Tala Philippines and our customers. Continuing our mission of empowering the Global Majority and bridging gaps in financial inclusion through increased access to credit, we were able to achieve significant milestones in 2025,” said Moritz Gastl, Tala Philippines General Manager. “We plan to carry that momentum into the upcoming year by reaching out to more customers beyond Metro Manila and bringing our financial services closer to them. We’re also continuing our push for better financial literacy through our TALAkayan workshop and weekly digital series. Lastly, we are looking to expand our product offering, making them more tailored and personalized to the needs of our customers.”

 

Tala remains dedicated to unlocking the potential of the Global Majority, placing a strong focus on empowering financial independence, and improving their overall quality of life.

Spend Smarter This Season: Practical Ways to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays

Mall hours have extended and every store seems to have a big 50% off sign. Christmas has transformed into this spending spree, often viewed as a dedicated time of the year to shop for gifts to give our loved ones. However, there are times when the pressure that comes with the season of giving is increasing people’s tendency to overspend—a common pitfall to starting the new year with financial burden. 

Still, you don't have to deprive yourself to avoid overspending this season. Instead of a one-time big material purchase, invest in something more productive and that will strengthen your healthy financial habits for the next year. To help you keep your wallet full throughout the holidays, here are four ways you can try:

 

1. Create a holiday budget

While budgeting seems to be a very common practice among Filipinos, many still overlook other costs beyond just planning for gifts and noche buena groceries. It is also important to set limits for decorations, travel, entertainment, and even gifts that are helpful in having realistic expectations. This is the number one way to avoid spontaneous buys that may lead to inaccurate tracking of purchases, improper use of savings, or worse, having none at all. 

2. Check the prices and track your total

Not just because an item is on sale, means it’s already worth buying. It is good practice to consider that heavily discounted items may be part of a seasonal clearance or may occasionally have minor packaging or display imperfections. Always compare the price and quality against similar items as this pause allows you to make more informed decisions and ensures the purchase aligns with your set budget.

 

3. Consider non-traditional/hand-made gifts

Sometimes, hand-crafted or non-traditional gifts carry more meaning than expensive, store-bought items. You can either opt for activities, DIYing gifts, or offer valuable gestures like a "One Home-Cooked Meal of Your Choice", or you can also support small local businesses that would genuinely benefit from your purchases. These practices cost little to no money but are surely high in sentimental value, reduces clutter, and perfect for those who already seem to have every material thing.

 

4. Set smart financial goals

Beyond spending, Christmas also offers a gift of time and rest, letting you use the holiday to reflect and pivot from seasonal spending to long-term saving. It is important to use this downtime to create a clear financial plan so you can fund future major milestones—be it your next holiday, or life investments such as buying a house, setting up a business, or building an emergency fund.

The fun in the season of giving should not come with the pressure and common misconception that equates material gifts with love or worth. It is important to reframe the holidays away from consumerism. By prioritizing sustainable financial habits during this time, you can easily safeguard your budget and proactively manage your money just in time for the new year.

 

As a financial partner for long-term growth, Tala equips customers with the right tools and knowledge to help them ultimately reach their financial aspirations, all accessible just by using 1 valid government issued ID and their Android phones. With its hassle-free approval with zero collateral, Tala empowers Filipinos to take on their financial decisions, helping them start or expand their business with capital they can use for growth.

 

Its convenient and flexible online credit also lets users have complete control over their repayment date, as well as the amount they want to borrow within their loan limit. This allows customers to choose when to repay from a period of 15 to 61 days, enabling them to strategically align the schedule with their upcoming cash flow, such as their monthly salary or annual 13th-month bonus.

 

Tala’s award-winning financial literacy program, TALAkayan, also guides customers in better saving and budgeting to achieve their life goals. This workshop is designed to make personal finance simple, practical, and relatable for the everyday Filipino, teaching basic financial management topics and how to avoid potential risks and scams. 

 

You can check out its digital content with new episodes coming out every Saturday on Tala’s official pages, further expanding its reach and impact from TALAkayan’s successful on-the-ground workshop series. This is part of its commitment to make financial education even more accessible to Filipinos and to bridge the gaps in financial inclusion. Visit Tala’s social media platforms, tala.ph, or get the official Tala app to know more.  

TALA Philippines Taps Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as Ambassador for Financial Empowerment

 

Financial security is the top aspiration of Filipinos today. To meet living expenses comfortably, prepare for emergencies, and save up for the future are dreams that many work hard to achieve. While the dreams are the same, everyone has different starting points, paths, and opportunities in life. In terms of access to financial services, for example, 76% of Filipinos remain unbanked and underserved by traditional institutions in 2024.

In facing life’s inequalities and making their dream a reality, Tala is a reliable partner of Filipinos. It levels the playing field by providing secure, flexible, and convenient online credit that enables customers to jumpstart their financial journey. Since entering the Philippines in 2017, Tala has grown exponentially, having disbursed 24 million loans amounting to over Php 118 billion to 3.6 million customers.

“Through the transformative power of access and radical trust, we’re taking on a role in the lives of our customers that goes beyond just transactional. We want to be their kasangga sa laban ng buhay—in exploring additional sources of income, saving for the future, building an education fund for their children, and more,” said Moritz Gastl, General Manager of Tala Philippines. “Tala can serve as a tool to help them unleash their potential to grow and thrive no matter their circumstances.”

To amplify this message of fairness, Tala Philippines has partnered with award-winning actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as its new brand ambassador. In an interactive and engaging launch event held last July 30, Santos-Agoncillo was introduced as the face of grit and determination of everyday Filipinos who continue to stand strong amid challenges.

“Financial empowerment is indeed a superpower, especially in a time where the costs of basic necessities and just about everything else continue to rise. It’s a gratifying feeling when we know that we have the means to take care of our family, to provide for their needs. I believe everyone has the right to have that power,” said Santos-Agoncillo. “I’m excited to work with Tala Philippines in supporting the financial journey of more Filipinos.”

Tala Philippines Marketing Director Missy Santos highlighted Santos-Agoncillo’s genuine and down-to-earth personality as one of the things that make her relatable to their customer base. She’s also known for playing multiple roles in movies and on TV as an underdog who thrived and emerged successful despite unfair situations, capturing the hearts and inspiring generations of Filipinos.

“It’s an honor to have Ms. Judy Ann as Tala Philippines’ ambassador. More than a talented actress, she’s also a businesswoman and a mom just like many of our customers. We’re excited to show that just like her roles as the heroine, our customers have a chance to be the bida in their own stories by taking control of their finances and working toward their goals. This is of course aligned with our mission of empowering the unbanked and underserved in the country,” she added.

Watch the new Tala commercial featuring Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo here. To know more about Tala’s financial services, visit tala.ph and download the official Tala app.

 

Now That My Kids Are Grown, It’s My Turn to Get Smart About Money

A mom's journey into financial literacy with the help of Tala’s TALAkayan

When you're a mom, especially in a traditional Filipino household, your whole life revolves around your family. I spent most of my adult years making sure my children had what they needed—education, packed lunches, tuition money, birthday cakes, new barongs and dresses for job interviews. And by God’s grace, all three of them are now professionals. Independent. Stable.

But now that the house is quieter, the laundry loads are fewer, and my wallet isn't constantly being raided for school projects or allowance—I’ve been thinking: what about me?

I’m not getting any younger. And even though I’ve been working hard my whole life, I realized something important recently: I never really learned how to manage money. I knew how to spend wisely and sacrifice—that comes naturally to any mother. But save for myself? Invest? Understand credit? Plan for retirement? No one ever taught me how to do that.

That’s why Tala’s TALAkayan struck a chord in me.

It's Never Too Late To Learn

We live in a world where things like "financial literacy," "credit scores," and "investment portfolios" are thrown around so easily—usually by people who already grew up comfortable. But for many of us, especially women who gave everything to their families, these things can feel intimidating or even embarrassing to ask about.

That’s why I appreciated TALAkayan so much. It’s not a lecture. It’s not condescending. It’s not reserved for bankers or businessmen. It’s for people like me—Filipinos who want to do better with their money but don’t know where to start.

TALAkayan started out as workshops in places like Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna—even Singapore, for OFWs. But now, they’ve made it even more accessible. They’re uploading short, practical videos every week on Facebook and Instagram—tackling everything from budgeting tricks to understanding insurance and investing.

Yes, even investing. Something I used to think was just for rich people.

My Children Take Care of Me, But I Want to Take Care of Myself, Too

My children have always been generous. They send money, treat me out, and make sure I never go without. But I don’t want to be a burden. I want to be able to stand on my own feet, even in my later years.

More than that, I want to set an example for them—that financial growth doesn’t stop at 50 or 60. It’s never too late to learn, adjust, and invest.

After watching just a few TALAkayan videos, I finally understood why I should consider insurance. Not just for protection, but for peace of mind. I finally saw how I could start small with savings, and even try investing, little by little. It’s empowering to know that I can still plan for a future that includes me—my dreams, my needs, my independence.

From “Budgeting for the Kids” to “Planning for Myself”

Back then, budgeting meant figuring out how to make five lunches fit into one salary. Now, budgeting means choosing where to put my savings so it can grow. The principles are similar—but this time, I’m not just surviving, I’m thinking ahead.

And thanks to the guidance of financial educators like Salve Ibañez, who led one of TALAkayan’s special sessions, I no longer feel ashamed that I started late. As she said:

“You are not defined by when you started in your financial journey, but the steps you take to achieve progress.”

That line stayed with me. Because now, I’m taking the steps.

This Is Financial Education for Real People

Since it started, TALAkayan has helped over 1,200 people—from jeepney drivers to small business owners to overseas workers. People who didn’t get formal financial education, but who are eager to learn, improve, and move forward.

I’m proud to be one of them.

This isn’t just about pesos and centavos—it’s about confidence, clarity, and freedom. Freedom from always worrying, from feeling behind, from thinking “sayang, if only I had known this earlier.”

To Fellow Moms (and Lolas) Reading This

If you’re like me—someone who spent years taking care of everyone else—maybe it’s time to take care of you. Learn how money works. Learn how to make it grow. Learn how to protect it. And do it without shame, without fear, without feeling "too old" or "too late."

You don’t need to enroll in a seminar or read thick textbooks. You can start small. Watch a video. Open the Tala app. Ask questions.

And know that you are never alone in this journey.

Because financial education isn't just for the young or wealthy. It’s for all of us. And with programs like TALAkayan, it’s finally within reach.

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Ready to start your journey?
Visit tala.ph or follow Tala Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Your next step toward financial confidence could be just one video away.

Tala Recognized by Forbes and CNBC for Outstanding Financial Services

International media houses Forbes and CNBC have recognized Tala once again for its significant contribution in providing personalized and tailored financial services to the underbanked population worldwide. Tala has earned its place in Forbes’ prestigious Fintech 50 list for the eighth consecutive year and CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list for the fifth consecutive year. 

 

This remarkable achievement underscores Tala’s continued impact and innovation in the financial services industry. As Forbes highlights, “In 2023, Tala rebuilt its data infrastructure to cut the time it takes for most customers to get approved for a loan from two minutes to just a few seconds.” 

 

“Today’s financial system doesn’t work for the Global Majority – the 52% of the world’s

population who are excluded from legacy finance. At Tala, we’re proud to be working towards

unleashing the $10 trillion worth of economic power of the Global Majority with the latest technology,” said Shivani Siroya, founder & CEO of Tala. 

 

CNBC states, “Tala is out to disrupt legacy finance in developing markets by providing loans, credit, insurance and bill pay to consumers who lack access to banks, insurers and lenders, and who lack a financial track record.”

"At Tala, our dedication lies in advancing financial inclusivity for Filipinos through dependable and accessible financial solutions. Nearly three million individuals in the Philippines have gained financial visibility and empowerment through our services. As we persist in elevating financial stability and empowering aspirations, we actively advocate for financial literacy and forge partnerships with aligned organizations committed to enhancing financial service accessibility," expressed Moritz Gastl, General Manager of Tala Philippines. 

 

While we’ve made significant strides across three continents, we still have a long way to go to fully realize our mission. If you want to be a part of challenging the status quo, check out our open positions. 

 

Tala launches Tala Flexible Loans

  Tala, launched a unique credit option for its customers today. This first-of-its-kind feature, called Tala Flexible Loans, allows customers to choose the due date that works best for their needs, up to 61 days. 

 

Filipinos can now time their due date around their next payday and other financial obligations, making repayment easier, and enjoy lower fees depending on the duration they choose. Tala offers affordable, transparent and one-time fees on every loan. Tala has also made repayment easy in over 18,000 locations such as  GCash, Paymaya, Coins.ph, 7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier, or M Lhuillier where borrowers can pay in full or make partial payments, anytime on or before their due date. Customers who make timely payments can earn more favorable terms over time, including doubling and tripling their loan limits within just a few months.

 

“At Tala, we always listen to our customers and innovate our products based on their needs,” says Shivani Siroya, Tala founder and CEO. “Our new, improved flexible credit gives borrowers the power to choose the due date that works best for them, not Tala. We are confident that this new feature will give Filipinos more financial access as well as the confidence to reach their financial goals.”

 

Any Filipino with an Android phone can apply for Tala credit 24/7 using Tala's easy-to-navigate mobile application. For first-time borrowers, simply open the application, fill out the personal information form, and provide one picture and government-issued ID. Tala provides a decision within minutes after application. Once approved, borrowers can choose their terms by confirming the desired loan amount, due date, and where they want to receive their cash. Loans may be deposited to their bank account, transferred to their Coins.ph wallet, or claimed at the nearest remittance center such as Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, or Palawan Express Pera Padala.

 

Trusted by more than 6 million customers worldwide, Tala is on a mission to empower the financially underserved using its proprietary technologies, encouraging responsible borrowing while preventing over-indebtedness. At the same time, the lending app consistently enables financial literacy through its robust library of content, which includes articles related to loans, savings, business, and general expenses. 

 

Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Tala ensures safe and accessible lending by employing best practices and championing consumer protection globally with world-class SSL encryption. 

 

To start a journey with TALA, visit the Google Play Store now to download the app or simply click http://bitly.ws/hcAt

TALA Goes Full Orbit in New Single "lucky!"

TALA is one with the stars in her latest single "lucky!"  Slowing it down from her last two releases, TALA embraces some R&B in this track as mixes in her love for astrology and astronomy with her knack for writing irresistible lyrics about young love. 

https://youtu.be/aIen84R4144

Talking about the song, she says she was inspired by the existence of the planet Mercury, in how "it is both the planet of communication, but also the planet of luck/trickery. In the same sense, it's odd how the planet shrinks every time it orbits the sun, yet it keeps on coming back - the song puts that into a context of a relationship that is doomed to fail."

The young singer-songwriter is definitely expanding her reach and her music, and "lucky!" is a clear indication of what's to come as she sets to release her second EP.