Dash is exploring the Philippines as a potential cryptocurrency payments market, citing demand for cheaper transactions and the country’s openness to digital finance tools.
In an interview with Cointelegraph during Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, Daria Chernozub, global implementation manager at Dash Blockchain, said the project is focused on emerging markets where users struggle with high fees and need simpler payment options.
“We believe Dash provides technology and payment solutions to those suffering from high commission rates [and] who need something easy to use,” Chernozub said, adding that the Philippines fits this profile because consumers are open to exploring up-to-date technologies.
She said Dash continues to evaluate the local market and prioritize legal compliance before any launch. She said Dash has begun communicating with major market participants and has prepared a legal opinion letter for talks with regulators and the financial industry.
Dash’s assessment comes as the Philippines seeks to attract foreign technology companies, although industry participants say the regulatory process for crypto companies remains much more demanding than basic corporate registration.
Daria Chernozub (left) with Cointelegraph’s Ezra Reguerra (right) during the Philippine Blockchain Week. Source: Daria Chernozub
Corporate registration takes minutes, crypto compliance can take years
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo told Cointelegraph during an interview during the Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 that foreign investors can register a corporation online from anywhere in the world in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Quevedo said the government stands ready to support foreign investors and described the SEC’s online registration system as part of the agency’s broader push toward digitalization and innovation. His comments suggest that formally establishing a local entity has become easier, although crypto companies may still face additional licensing and compliance requirements before launching operations.
Related: The Dash Evolution network integrates the Zcash Orchard privacy pool
Marie Antonette Quiogue, chief legal officer of BlockShoals and CEO of Arden Consult, told Cointelegraph in a separate interview during the event that the SEC has created a framework for foreign cryptocurrency exchanges looking to enter the regulated environment.
Quiogue said the regulated route comes with significant responsibilities and pointed to the roughly two years BlockShoals spent developing its deal with Binance.
Beyond regulation, Quiogue said the Philippines’ youthful population, high mobile phone usage and widespread English proficiency could support attract foreign crypto companies.
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