According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for over 99.5% of registered businesses in the Philippines and contribute nearly two-thirds of total employment, making them the undeniable backbone of the economy. Yet despite their vital role, access to formal financing remains a persistent challenge, especially for women entrepreneurs. For years, this financing gap has held back many from scaling their businesses and fully participating in economic development.
Having worked closely with MSMEs since 1997, Asialink Finance Corporation has long witnessed these challenges firsthand. Now celebrating its 28th anniversary, Asialink continues to evolve its mission of financial inclusion through the launch of a new loan product: WAIS — Women’s Access to Inclusive Support. The product is built on Asialink’s vision of being at the forefront of the financing industry in the Philippines and Asia, with a purpose to financially enable MSMEs and their communities toward better lives by providing accessible, fast, and convenient loans.
WAIS is Asialink’s targeted response to a problem hiding in plain sight: while women own 66% of MSMEs, only 4% of those businesses have secured formal financing, often due to lack of collateral, rigid lending criteria, or deep-rooted gender biases. These barriers don’t just stall business growth, they limit the potential of entire communities. WAIS is designed to address these hurdles by offering capital that is not only accessible but anchored in trust and support. In Filipino, the word wais means “smart”—a fitting description for the many women who persevere, innovate, and lead with strength despite structural constraints.
“Women-led businesses are the quiet engines of our economy. At Asialink, we’ve seen their resilience and potential up close,” said Samuel “Sam” Cariño, President and CEO of Asialink Finance Corporation. “WAIS is more than a loan. This product is our way of giving women the recognition, support, and financial access they have long deserved so they can lead not just in business, but in shaping stronger communities”
The WAIS loan offers competitive rates starting at 0.99%, with flexible terms of up to 36 months and no post-dated checks required. Women entrepreneurs can borrow up to ₱20 million depending on collateral and repayment duration. What makes WAIS more inclusive is its eligibility framework: it supports women across various business structures, whether as sole proprietors, partners, or corporate leaders—ensuring that more women are empowered to secure funding and scale their operations.
The launch of WAIS builds on Asialink’s strategic growth and impact-oriented partnerships. The company recently secured over $245 million in financing from international development institutions including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with a significant portion dedicated to women-led MSMEs. These partnerships signal strong global confidence in Asialink’s mission and amplify its reach across underserved regions.
Asialink’s network now spans over 250 branches nationwide, including newly opened locations in Visayas and Mindanao, reinforcing its commitment to delivering financial solutions closer to the communities that need them most. In 2024 alone, the company disbursed over ₱15.5 billion in loans, 77% of which supported MSMEs. A growing number of these loans are designed to be inclusive, whether through flexible terms, simplified application processes, or tailored product offerings like WAIS.
“As we look ahead, we remain grounded in our purpose to enable improved lives through financing that is not just fast or convenient, but meaningful,” added Cariño. “WAIS is a product of 28 years of listening, learning, and leading. It’s a promise that the future of MSME lending can, and must, be more inclusive.”
Learn more about how Asialink is supporting women entrepreneurs and building stronger communities through inclusive financing. Visit www.asialinkfinance.com.ph to explore smart loan solutions like WAIS, designed to help businesses and communities grow.
