Atome Cards: Pioneering Financial Inclusion in the Philippines
Atome Philippines is leveraging innovative data sources to assess creditworthiness for individuals lacking traditional financial documentation, expanding access to financial products in the Philippines.
This strategic initiative by Atome aims to reach underrepresented segments, offering financial solutions to those often excluded from formal banking systems. By evaluating transaction histories, earnings consistency, and repayment behaviors, the fintech firm has created a comprehensive underwriting method. Chris Quiros, president and country general manager of Atome Philippines, highlights the use of data readily available on mobile devices to assess individuals' financial profiles, focusing on incomes from roles such as drivers, online sellers, and small business operators.
The Atome PayLater Anywhere Card: Broadening Horizons
Atome’s introduction of the PayLater Anywhere Card marks a notable expansion in financial access. The card is globally accepted wherever Mastercard is used, and allows customers to pay balances in installments, enhancing financial flexibility. Notably, 80% of cardholders in the Philippines are first-time users, with 65% being women. These cards predominantly cover essential expenses like groceries, transportation, and utility bills, effectively supporting daily needs.
Decline in Financial Account Ownership
Despite an increase in household financial accounts and electronic transactions, overall financial account ownership among Filipino adults fell to 50% in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. This decline underscores the importance of Atome's approach, which seeks to bridge the financial inclusion gap through innovative product offerings.
Partnership with Chubb Limited: Entering the Insurance Sector
In collaboration with Chubb Limited, Atome has launched the Atome Card Shield, marking its entry into the insurance market. This product, designed to cater to individuals lacking formal banking relationships, integrates insurance coverage for online shopping and personal accidents into the monthly billing cycle. The initiative aims to overcome cost and complexity barriers, providing a seamless insurance experience potentially for the first time for many users.
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Rates | Measures initial customer adoption of insurance products. |
| Renewals | Tracks long-term retention and continued product use. |
| Claims Processing Efficiency | Evaluates the operational effectiveness of insurance claim handling. |
Future Outlook: Expanding Financial Solutions
With the Philippines emerging as one of Atome’s fastest-growing markets, the company plans to broaden its suite of financial products, focusing on savings and insurance to bolster financial inclusion. Atome's approach reflects a commitment to product adoption among underserved populations, offering a pathway to improved financial health and stability. As the company monitors the insurance market demand, metrics such as enrollment, renewals, and claims processing will serve as crucial indicators of success.