Filipinos can now invest in government’s retail treasury bonds via GCash
The investing public can now purchase the government’s 31st offering of the Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB 31) through e-wallet platform GCash’s GBonds feature. The government on Tuesday (Aug. 5) raised P210 billion from its latest retail Treasury bond (RTB) sale — the third under the Marcos government and the first to accept subscription via an e-wallet.
The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said the move is in line with state efforts to attract ordinary Filipinos into investing in government securities. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the launch is also timely, noting that it comes after the enactment of a measure that promotes efficient capital markets. He added: “It is time for the capital market not only to cater to experts in finance, but also to the Filipino people. And that’s why we are aggressively making our RTBs available and accessible to everyone.”
BTr data released after the rate-setting auction showed tenders hitting P354.175 billion, almost 12 times the P30 billion offered at the first RTB auction this year. The five-year RTBs fetch a 6% fixed coupon, down slightly from 6.125% in February 2024. Awarded rates ranged from 5.625% to 6%, averaging 5.943%. Interest will be paid quarterly, the BTr said.
National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said: “We are thrilled to bring RTB 31 to the GCash app. This collaboration significantly expands our reach, enabling more Filipinos to invest in government securities easily and securely. It’s a monumental step toward our goal of a more financially inclusive Philippines, giving more people the opportunity to build their savings and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
“We want to really tap retail investors,” she said. “If we are able to raise P90 billion more in fresh money, it will be a very successful RTB issuance.” Ms. Almanza added: “If increasing the P210 billion to P300 billion and the rest will be retail, that will be a game changer for the Bureau of the Treasury and also for the Department of Finance and for this government, because that means that we really are able to target retail investors.
The public, including GCash users who signed up for GBonds, can place a buy order for the RTB 31 from August 5 until the end of the offer period on August 15. Powered by Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) Inc. and Bonds.ph, in partnership with the Treasury, GBonds became available to the public in July, allowing fully verified users to access fixed-income government securities without the need for a bank account.
Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash parent Mynt, said: “For a minimum investment of P5,000 with no extra fees, GCash users can instantly place a buy order for RTB 31 anytime within the offer period once they sign up for GBonds. More Filipinos will have the chance to take part in nation-building while taking a significant step toward their financial goals through this innovation.”
Reference: Public can now purchase gov’t treasury bonds through GCash
