GCash a step closer to removing OTPs

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December 17, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — E-wallet giant GCash is closing in on its plan to remove one-time passwords (OTPs) to simplify the way consumers access financial services without compromising personal security.

GCash yesterday said it is partnering with its telco parent Globe Telecom Inc. in completing the proof of concept (POC) for silent network authentication, a new solution in digital security.

The POC aims to evaluate the safety and security implications of removing OTPs as a security feature of GCash.

GCash has completed the first phase of the test, and so far the POC is showing signs it can be the future of security for the e-wallet. The system checks if the mobile number accessing GCash matches the activity of the SIM card in the data session.

This adds a new layer of defense against online fraud, particularly phishing. The e-wallet said the solution means stronger protection for financial transactions without the extra hassle of trying to get an OTP.

The system, once in place, will be part of G Verify, the anti-fraud arm of Globe tasked to assess if a customer is facing a cybersecurity risk.

Globe Business head KD Dizon said the telco wants to incorporate silent network authentication in GCash to promote accessibility and security.

Dizon said the silent network authentication being tested for GCash meets global benchmarks set by telco umbrellas GSMA and CAMARA.

“Security and accessibility must go hand in hand, [and] this milestone is about building trust for the financially included. By working with GCash, we are showing how network-level innovation can directly improve safety and convenience for the millions of Filipinos who rely on our digital platforms every day,” Dizon said.

In November, the enterprise arm of telco leader PLDT Inc. brought in the country’s first business solution for verifying online transactions without requiring OTPs.

Telcos are eliminating OTPs in response to the new ways of scamming consumers.