20250313 AEAN MONEY MAIN Gabosov and Wilfredo Morte

Richard Gaboso, left, and Wilfredo Mortel with their motorized tricycles near their homes in Silang, Philippines. They say their fortunes have been transformed by being able to take out a loan to acquire the vehicles. (Photo by Kimberly dela Cruz)

Philippine-grown Japanese fintech lets drivers plot path out of poverty

Startup Global Mobility Service boosts financial inclusion with in-vehicle tracker

YUICHI SHIGA and NANA SHIBATA

March 18, 2025 06:00 JST

MANILA/JAKARTA -- Richard Gaboso's motorized tricycle taxi parked outside his home in Cavite, 50 kilometers south of Manila, has what he calls two special features. One is his favorite speakers blaring out hip-hop music, the other is a small black box that has transformed his life.