First came GCash, Maya next? MVP eyes 2027 IPO

MANILA — Following the historic stock market debut of GCash parent Mynt, PLDT Inc. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said Wednesday he is also looking to take fintech giant Maya public next year.

“The plan is still to list it next year. It’s too late for this year,” he said.

Pangilinan said that while other shareholders are eyeing a US listing, he prefers that Maya also be listed in the Philippines.

“I made known my preference to the other shareholders that if they want to have a Nasdaq listing, we have no objection, but I think there should be a listing here in the Philippines,” he said.

Asked whether Maya could list in the US first, Pangilinan replied: “Yun ang gusto nila.”

“Ako naman, if that can facilitate the IPO (initial public offering), why not? So long as there’s a Philippine listing,” he added.

The business tycoon pointed to the stock market debut of Mynt as a sign that investors are willing to back fintech companies with strong business prospects.

“You’ve seen the success of Mynt. They’ve proven that with a quality company like Mynt, they can attract a great deal of demand in their shares,” he said.

But Pangilinan acknowledged that Maya remains smaller than its rival, GCash, saying the planned IPO would need to take into account the company’s current scale and position in the market.

“Maya’s not at the same scale as Mynt, but I think it can be successful,” added Pangilinan.