Talino Fintech Foundry has raised $7.5 million in a Series A funding round to support its transition into a global fintech foundry and expand cross-border financial infrastructure capabilities.
The round was led by Chemonics International, with participation from Mt Sinai Capital and Gulf Blvd. The funding will enable Talino to evolve from a venture studio into a comprehensive fintech infrastructure platform focused on financial inclusion, particularly across emerging markets and diaspora communities.
Headquartered across Manila and Los Angeles, Talino is developing an API-first connectivity layer designed to replace legacy financial systems with a modern, interoperable infrastructure. The platform aims to address persistent challenges in cross-border payments, including regulatory complexity, fragmented systems, and liquidity constraints.
Talino’s infrastructure integrates technologies such as Mojaloop and supports ISO 20022 standards to enable real-time, interoperable payments. The company also operates with Money Service Business licenses in the U.S. and Canada, allowing it to provide regulatory support for partners through a “regulatory-as-a-service” model.
The platform already powers several fintech solutions, including BayaniPay for embedded remittances, Higala for open banking and inclusive payments, and Bahai Deals for cross-border real estate financing. It also serves enterprise clients such as Seafood City and SM Development Corporation.
Strategic partnerships with PDAX and Bridge, a Stripe company, are expected to further enhance Talino’s ability to deliver faster cross-border transactions, improved liquidity, and localized settlement capabilities, initially focused on the Philippines.
KEY QUOTES:
“Talino is shifting from building startups to building the very ecosystem that allows startups to thrive. This evolution aims to dismantle fintech barriers between the U.S. and emerging markets through an API-first connectivity layer that replaces legacy financial rails with a modern, interoperable infrastructure. We’re grateful to Chemonics for leading this round and to our investors for their continued trust in Talino. Their support fuels our momentum as we innovate and work to make global financial services truly inclusive and accessible to all.”
Winston Damarillo, President and CEO, Talino
“Chemonics is proud to lead this investment round and to help launch a fintech foundry with the potential to transform cross-border payments and expand financial inclusion at scale. For decades, we’ve partnered with communities and institutions across the Philippines to strengthen equitable access to financial services. Talino’s vision aligns with our mission to drive sustainable, locally grounded innovation that improves lives and broadens economic opportunity. Together, we are helping build the next generation of financial infrastructure for the Philippines and other emerging markets.”
Jamey Butcher, Chair and CEO, Chemonics International
“Cross-border remittances are a lifeline for millions of Filipinos. By expanding access to stablecoin-powered transfers, we’re enabling a more modern and efficient way for funds to move from the U.S. to the Philippines, supported by deep local liquidity and reliable off-ramps. This reflects our commitment to making digital financial services more practical and accessible for everyday users.”
Nichel Gaba, CEO and Founder, PDAX
