Skyro pushes responsible digital lending at ASEAN tech summit

Insider Spotlight

• Skyro used the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026 to promote responsible, inclusive digital lending
• The fintech firm said AI and customer data can help tailor credit to borrowers’ repayment capacity
• Skyro highlighted repayment flexibility, ethical collections and transparency as key consumer safeguards
  
  
  
  

Skyro strengthened its regional fintech presence at ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026, highlighting how technology can expand access to credit while protecting borrowers from unsustainable debt.

The company served as a Platinum Sponsor at the two-day event at the Marriott Hotel, which gathered financial institutions, fintech companies, technology innovators and policymakers to discuss Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

Why it matters

Digital lending is widening access to financial services in the Philippines, but its continued growth puts greater focus on whether lenders can balance broader credit availability with affordability, transparency and consumer protection.

During the Futurecast panel on scaling digital lending responsibly, Skyro co-founder and Co-CEO Nasim Aliev said the company uses AI, credit history, income information and other customer data to assess whether borrowers can realistically meet repayment obligations.

“Maintaining a healthy debt-to-income ratio helps ensure customers can comfortably meet their financial obligations throughout the repayment period,” Aliev said.

The approach

Skyro said responsible lending extends beyond interest rates and fees to repayment structures designed around customers’ financial capacity. The company also allows borrowers to adjust payment dates and schedules through its app, including through its Flexi feature.

“Flexibility is very important for us. We give customers the power to make these changes themselves,” Aliev said.

The company also emphasized ethical collections, saying lenders should use timely reminders, transparent communication and flexible repayment options to help customers experiencing financial difficulty avoid default.

What they're saying

“If we are all transparent about how we operate, both for board management and in areas like collections, by providing greater detail on our processes, everyone will benefit,” Aliev said.

Beyond the panel discussions, Skyro operated an interactive summit booth where delegates explored SkyroCredit and other offerings, discussed potential partnerships and participated in its SkyroPardy trivia activity.

The big picture

Skyro said the next phase of digital lending growth will depend not simply on reaching more Filipinos, but on using innovation to improve how customers borrow, repay and manage credit. — Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma