Philippines' Digital Bank Maya Looks to US Market for Up to $1B IPO
Maya, a Philippine digital bank with a regulated crypto trading arm, is reportedly considering a U.S. IPO aiming to raise up to $1 billion. The company is working with advisers on a listing, seeking deeper capital access and a broader institutional investor base than is available in local markets, which have seen few large tech IPOs recently. Maya operates under a digital banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, offering core banking and payments services alongside crypto trading, though it has not disclosed crypto's financial impact. Users have reported temporary outages for crypto trades during periods of high price volatility, sparking complaints. The planned IPO coincides with a rebound in U.S. tech listings, though investors now prioritize stable earnings, disciplined risk management, and transparent governance. Observers note that Maya’s crypto segment could both attract and complicate investor interest due to regulatory risks and revenue volatility. While U.S. listing could resolve funding issues, challenges remain in scaling secure financial infrastructure in the Philippines, with adoption outpacing regulatory development. Success would depend on demonstrating strong banking fundamentals and transparent management of its crypto offerings.

