In May 2025, Sterling Bank of Asia approved a ₱370 million credit line for Skyro. The parties formalized the agreement by signing a Memorandum of Agreement, which provides financing for the development of the company’s digital lending services in the Philippines.
For Skyro, this transaction became an important stage in scaling the business. The company operates in the digital lending segment and develops financial products for consumers who need fast, clear, and accessible solutions. In a market where demand for online loans continues to grow, bank financing gives fintech companies the resources to develop infrastructure, improve service stability, and expand their customer base.
A Credit Line to Expand Digital Lending
Sterling Bank of Asia provided Skyro with a ₱370 million credit line to support operational growth and the development of its digital lending platform. These funds will allow the company to strengthen its technology base, scale internal processes, and make lending products more accessible to customers in different regions of the country.
Nasim Aliev, co-founder and co-CEO of Skyro, noted that the company values the trust shown by Sterling Bank of Asia. According to him, the credit line will help Skyro advance financial inclusion and continue offering customers safe, efficient, and user-oriented digital solutions.
The deal also reflects a shift in the relationship between banks and fintech companies in the Philippines. Traditional financial institutions increasingly view digital players not only as competitors, but also as partners capable of responding more quickly to new customer scenarios.
Why the Partnership Matters for Skyro
For Skyro, the approved credit line is not merely an additional source of capital. It strengthens the company’s position at a time when the market expects fintech services to deliver speed, reliability, and transparent terms. As the customer base grows, the stable operation of the platform, high-quality risk management, and a predictable customer experience become increasingly important.
Commenting on the deal, Nasim Aliev emphasized that the financing would help the company continue developing customer-centric digital lending solutions. In a business context, this means focusing not only on loan volumes, but also on the convenience of the entire customer journey: from submitting an application to receiving a financial decision.
For a fast-growing fintech company, a bank credit line is also important as a sign of trust from an institutional partner. When a regulated bank provides financing to a non-bank digital player, it is perceived as a signal of confidence in its business model, management, and growth prospects.
Sterling Bank of Asia’s Position
Sterling Bank of Asia stated that it supports fintech companies that contribute to financial inclusion and digital transformation in the Philippines. Jose S. Ison Jr., Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lending Group at the bank, noted that the credit line confirms confidence in Skyro’s vision and in the company’s potential in the financial technology market.
For the bank, this partnership fits into its broader strategy of working with a sector where digital services expand access to financial products. This is especially important for customers who may previously have faced limited opportunities when trying to use traditional banking services.
What the Market Gains
The partnership between Skyro and Sterling Bank of Asia reflects a notable trend in the Philippine financial market: banks and fintech companies are gradually moving from competition toward cooperation. Banks have capital, regulatory experience, and expertise in risk management. Fintech companies are faster at launching digital products, testing customer scenarios, and scaling services through technology.
In this model, both businesses and end users benefit. If the lending infrastructure becomes more stable and digital products become more accessible, more people gain the opportunity to use financial services without complicated procedures and unnecessary barriers.
For Skyro, where Nasim Aliev holds one of the key management roles, the agreement with Sterling Bank of Asia confirmed the company’s chosen strategy: to develop fintech not as a standalone loan application, but as a financial platform supported by institutional partners.
The Deal as a Signal for the Fintech Sector
The ₱370 million credit line does not change the market on its own, but it clearly shows the direction in which the sector is developing. Fintech companies in the Philippines are becoming more mature participants in the financial system, while banks are increasingly willing to work with them in a partnership format when they see a clear business model and scaling potential.
Nasim Aliev and the Skyro team are focusing on growth through accessibility, technology, and trust. Support from Sterling Bank of Asia strengthens this position and gives the company additional resources to develop digital lending at a national level.
For Skyro, the agreement became not only a financial instrument, but also a reputational marker. It shows that the company is capable of attracting bank financing, developing infrastructure, and maintaining its focus on customers for whom access to clear financial solutions remains especially important.
