GMO-PG Invests $3 Million in Helicap to Boost Financial Inclusion in SEA

October 16, 2024

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc. (GMO-PG), a leading provider of payment and financial services under the GMO Internet Group, has recently made a significant investment of $3 million into Helicap’s credit fund. This move, executed through its Singapore-based subsidiary GMO-Z.COM PAYMENT GATEWAY, highlights GMO-PG’s strategic commitment to fostering financial inclusion and leveraging technology to address underserved markets in Southeast Asia. The region’s FinTech sector has shown robust performance, securing $899.3 million in funding during the first half of 2024 despite global economic uncertainties.

Helicap, based in Singapore, aims to bridge the substantial $500 billion funding gap in Southeast Asia. The company plans to deploy capital to 300 million underbanked individuals through its extensive network of 1,000 originators. Utilizing advanced data analytics, Helicap has successfully raised over $15 million in paid-up capital over the past six years, deploying nearly $400 million. This investment has indirectly benefited over 5 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals, reaffirming the critical role of technology in driving economic growth and financial inclusion in the region.

Strategic Importance of the Investment

The $3 million investment from GMO-PG underscores the financial services company’s dedication to supporting innovative financial solutions that address the needs of underserved markets. This partnership with Helicap is poised to empower FinTech companies that are transforming the financial landscape in Southeast Asia. By targeting underbanked individuals and MSMEs, these companies are not only driving economic growth but also unlocking new business opportunities. This strategic move aligns with broader efforts to build a more inclusive financial ecosystem that leverages technology to overcome traditional barriers.

The investment in Helicap comes at a time when financial inclusion has become a significant agenda for global economic development. The ability of FinTech companies to deploy advanced technologies in data analytics, credit scoring, and risk assessment has enabled them to serve previously unreachable segments of the population. Helicap’s strategic use of data analytics to identify creditworthy borrowers in underserved markets is a testament to the potential of technology to facilitate access to financial services for millions. This investment thus represents a critical step towards achieving broader financial inclusion in Southeast Asia.

Impact on Southeast Asia’s FinTech Landscape

The influx of $899.3 million in funding into Southeast Asia’s FinTech sector during the first half of 2024 highlights the resilience and potential of the industry amidst global economic uncertainties. Helicap’s innovative approach and its substantial network of originators have positioned it as a pivotal player in this burgeoning market. The firm’s mission to bring financial services to 300 million underbanked individuals underscores the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on the region’s financial ecosystem. By providing capital and leveraging technology, Helicap aims to overcome the significant barriers that have historically limited financial access for many in Southeast Asia.

GMO-PG’s investment further solidifies the company’s role as a key enabler of FinTech growth in the region, supporting startups that are focused on delivering inclusive financial services. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative financial solutions that can bridge the substantial funding gap identified across Southeast Asia. With the combined efforts of forward-thinking companies like GMO-PG and Helicap, the region is set to become a thriving hub of FinTech innovation and financial inclusivity, ultimately driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions.

Future Prospects and Technological Synergy

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc. (GMO-PG), under the umbrella of GMO Internet Group, has made a notable $3 million investment into Helicap’s credit fund. This strategic move was executed through its Singapore subsidiary, GMO-Z.COM PAYMENT GATEWAY. It underscores GMO-PG’s dedication to enhancing financial inclusion and utilizing technology to serve the underbanked markets in Southeast Asia. Despite global economic challenges, the region’s FinTech sector exhibited strong resilience, attracting $899.3 million in funding in the first half of 2024.

Helicap, based in Singapore, seeks to address a significant $500 billion funding shortfall in Southeast Asia. The company aims to provide capital to 300 million underbanked individuals via its vast network of 1,000 originators. By leveraging advanced data analytics, Helicap has raised over $15 million in paid-up capital over six years, deploying almost $400 million. This has indirectly supported over 5 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals. The investment highlights the crucial role of technology in fostering economic growth and financial inclusion across the region.

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