Online stock accounts grow as GCash expands in-app trading

Business & Technology

GCASH is expanding access to local stock trading through GStocks PH, its in-app investment platform operated in partnership with AB Capital Securities Inc.

The platform allows fully verified GCash users to open a brokerage account, fund their trading wallet and place orders for stocks listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) without leaving the GCash app.

Users can start investing with a minimum amount of ₱500. GStocks PH currently provides access to more than 280 companies listed on the PSE.

To open an account, users select GStocks PH from the GCash homepage or Invest tab and proceed with the account application through AB Capital Securities. Once approved, users can fund their trading wallet and place stock orders through the app.

Orders are submitted in real time but are executed only during PSE trading hours and remain subject to the exchange’s order-matching process.

The service comes as online platforms continue to account for a growing share of individual participation in the Philippine stock market.

PSE data showed that the number of stock market accounts increased by 27.3% to 3.64 million in 2025, from 2.86 million in 2024. Retail investors accounted for 3.61 million, or 99.2%, of the total.

Of the retail accounts, 3.22 million were held through online trading platforms and e-wallets. Digital accounts increased by 30.5% from the previous year.

The growth reflects the broader shift toward digital channels for opening brokerage accounts, funding investments and placing trades.

GStocks PH is one of several digital platforms that have incorporated stock trading into financial apps, reducing the need for investors to use a separate application for brokerage services.

The platform is operated by GCash in partnership with AB Capital Securities, which handles the brokerage side of the service.