Eleven years after its founding, Electronic Transfer & Advance Processing Inc. (eTap Inc.) continues to expand access to financial services by connecting cash-based transactions with the country’s growing digital economy.
Established in 2015 by chairman Percy Hernandez and chief executive officer Marlon Portugal, the homegrown fintech company has grown from a two-person startup into an organization with more than 1,000 employees across over 70 offices nationwide. Today, eTap operates one of the country’s largest self-service payment networks, supporting millions of consumers and hundreds of business partners.
Bridging Cash and Digital Finance
At the center of eTap’s business is what it describes as a “phygital” approach, combining physical cash transactions with digital financial services.
Its network of more than 7,000 self-service payment and cash transaction machines enables consumers to pay bills, top up digital wallets, and access other financial services in locations such as supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and neighborhood shops. These machines also extend access to financial services in communities where traditional banking infrastructure remains limited.
According to the company, its network has served more than 16 million unique customers across the Philippines, providing an accessible entry point to digital financial services for many unbanked and underserved Filipinos.
Supporting Businesses and Financial Institutions
Beyond serving consumers, eTap also provides payment collection infrastructure for businesses, utility companies, and financial institutions.
More than 800 partner billers currently use the platform to expand their payment collection channels without investing in additional physical branches. By integrating with eTap’s self-service network, organizations can extend their reach while offering customers more convenient payment options.
The company’s ecosystem is further supported by its subsidiary, eTap Solutions Inc., which operates and manages the network of self-service payment terminals deployed nationwide.
Strengthening Security and Compliance
As a registered Operator of Payment Systems (OPS), eTap places a strong emphasis on security, operational reliability, and data privacy.
The company holds three International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications:
- ISO 27001:2022 for Information Security Management Systems
- ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems
- ISO 27701:2019 for Privacy Information Management Systems
According to eTap, these certifications support its commitment to maintaining secure payment services, consistent operational standards, and responsible management of customer information.
Moving Forward
As it marks its 11th anniversary, eTap has also introduced a refreshed corporate identity reflecting its continued evolution as a provider of financial technology solutions.
Beyond payment services, the company now offers an integrated ecosystem that combines customizable hardware, software platforms, cash management, and operational support for enterprise partners.
Alongside its technology initiatives, eTap continues to support scholarship programs for employees’ children and conducts community outreach activities as part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts.
As digital financial services continue to expand across the country, eTap says it remains focused on helping ensure that more Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities, can participate in the digital economy through accessible self-service financial solutions.