In the absence of a centralized credit database, identifying the right customers from the outset is one of the biggest challenges for financial technology companies like Tala.
Tala general manager Moritz Gasti said their primary focus is on attracting and retaining the right customers, whether through digital advertisements or physical engagements such as booths and agents. Providing an optimal user experience ensures that customers stay with Tala and grow financially.
With over $2.5 billion deployed in the Philippines, the company has helped millions of individuals who might otherwise struggle to secure financial support.
Through its flagship initiative, TALAkayan, the company conducts financial literacy workshops across the provinces, educating communities about responsible borrowing and money management.
“The more we speak to our customers, the better we understand their real needs,” Gastl said.
Gastl, a German national who has lived in the Philippines for 12 years, is deeply invested in the country’s financial landscape. Married and well-acquainted with the local culture, he considers the Philippines to be his second home.
His career has revolved around fund management from the very beginning, giving him a deep understanding of how financial services can drive economic empowerment.
Accessible credit
Tala leverages a data-driven approach, using digital advertising, physical engagements, and app-based insights to reach potential borrowers.
“It’s not just about onboarding customers; it’s about ensuring they have the best possible experience so they stay with us and grow financially,” Gastl said.
Unlike traditional banks, which focus on larger loan sizes and business financing, Tala serves individuals earning between P5,000 and P50,000 per month—many of whom work in essential service roles such as teaching, security, and government positions.
Tala’s loans, ranging from P1,000 to P25,000, provide immediate financial support for everyday needs, such as medical emergencies or urgent expenses.
As an app-based lending platform, Tala benefits from the growing digital adoption in the Philippines. More consumers now prefer online transactions, moving away from informal lenders and embracing digital financial solutions.
“In the provinces, people often have limited borrowing options,” Gastl said. “We provide a more transparent and legitimate alternative.”
While digital banks like Maya, GCash and GoTyme operate in overlapping spaces, Tala sees them as complementary rather than direct competitors.
“They typically serve customers just below traditional banks, whereas we reach those who are even more underserved,” he said.
Expanding reach
Looking ahead, Tala is focused on expanding its reach within the Philippines by strengthening its distribution channels online and offline. A global technology company, Tala unleashes the economic power of the global majority using credit, payments, and other financial services across three continents.
In the Philippines, customers have used Tala products to start and expand small businesses.
“We dedicate 90 to 95 percent of our efforts to ensuring we serve the right people here,” Gastl emphasized.
Tala operates under the regulatory framework of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), maintaining strict compliance with lending rate caps and financial regulations.
Future of financial services
Gastl’s career in finance spans investment banking and fintech leadership. He started in fund management, working as an M&A Associate at investment bank Mabuhay Capital Corporation before moving to RCBC as a senior investment associate. He later took on leadership roles as vice president for Growth at First Circle and as a director at insurance tech firm Bolttech.
With a degree in International Business from Maastricht University and a certification as a treasury professional from Ateneo de Manila, he brings both global and local expertise to Tala’s mission.
Despite his corporate background, Gastl enjoys staying connected with Tala’s customers. He often participates in TALAkayan sessions to better understand the struggles of everyday Filipinos.
“I love being in the field and talking to people. Numbers and data are important, but hearing real stories from our customers is what truly drives me,” he said.
Outside of work, Gastl is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys exploring different parts of the Philippines, from its bustling cities to its remote islands.
Having witnessed the rapid transformation of financial services in the Philippines over the past decade, Gastl believes the country is ahead of the curve in digital payments.
“Before, people were skeptical of online lending,” he said. “Now, it’s second nature to borrow, send money, and pay bills through a phone, and we’re here to provide financial access in ways that were never possible before.”