The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has sounded the alarm on the growing number of financial phishing attacks, particularly those tied to cryptocurrency scams and targeting financial institutions—including thousands in the Philippines. In a statement released Monday, Kaspersky disclosed that it blocked over 10.7 million financial phishing attempts around the world in 2024, reflecting an 83% jump from the previous year. In …

In a firm move to prevent the misuse of digital financial platforms, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to implement tighter regulations on payment services related to online gambling. The move comes amid growing public concern over the social and financial consequences of widespread access to gambling platforms. The BSP recently posted a draft circular outlining proposed guidelines …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to issue enhanced guidelines on digitalization for banks before the end of the year, aiming to create a more level playing field across the financial sector. Speaking at the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) convention in Makati City last week, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier emphasized the increasing adoption of digital platforms …

Ensuring reliable access to clean water remains a pressing priority in many parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, where climate change, rapid urbanization, and ecological disruption continue to strain natural water sources. As local governments and communities seek sustainable water management systems, BDO Unibank Inc. is stepping up to support these efforts through long-term financing. One of its key partners …

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has raised P8.25 billion from its latest dual-tranche bond issuance, surpassing its minimum target of P5 billion as investors showed strong confidence in the state-run bank’s role in advancing the country’s development agenda. The fresh capital, raised under DBP’s expanded P150-billion bond program, was 1.65 times oversubscribed, according to DBP President and CEO …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s confirmed visit to the United States on July 20-22, 2025, comes at a politically charged time — with high economic stakes. The trip, which may include his first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, places the Philippine leader in a delicate position: whether to confront the controversial 20% tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. …

The President’s continued procrastination on the pressing issue of a total ban on online gambling reveals more than just indecisiveness—it is a window into the unspoken power dynamics at play in Malacañang.  Catholic leaders have been loud and clear in denouncing the social decay brought on by online gambling. Their criticism speaks not merely of moral concern but of the …

The Tesla experience towards a more sustainable future goes to the South Court of the Powerplant Mall in Makati this July 18 -27 and everyone is invited to join and experience the technology and performance of the new Model Y and Model 3 as well as explore all Tesla charging options that suit different lifestyles. Limited slots for test drive …

The Tamang Ride PH held its much-anticipated grand launch with a full-day event that convened road safety advocates from across sectors to champion one common cause: creating safer roads for all Filipinos, especially children recently at the Bonifacio Global City. Tamang Ride PH is a road safety advocacy movement organized under the initiative of A Child’s Trust is Ours to …

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) continues to make great strides in its mission to promote shared safety on Philippine roads by conducting a series of Road Safety Seminars with a total of 1,088 participants from various sectors including students, traffic enforcers, city employees, and motorcycle riders, just in the first half of 2025 alone. MDPPA kicked off …