IN a bustling corner of the digital marketplace, where the passion for collectibles meets the demand for security and authenticity, a new player is not just entering the scene but transforming it. Introducing Toki: the cutting-edge platform that revolutionizes how you collect what you love. I had the opportunity to discuss with Frederic Levy, chief executive and co-founder of Toki, in an email interview. Emerging from the foresight of four ex-GCash executives, Toki shines as an innovative force in the $5 billion market, aiming to bolster transaction security for the 40 percent of Filipinos who are avid collectors. Levy shared how Toki is on a mission to energize the booming market with its strategies. Toki prioritizes unmatched security, user-friendliness, and a vibrant community for collectors.

'Today, most collectors conduct their transactions primarily through social platforms such as Facebook, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter, to name just a few. These platforms account for approximately 90 percent of online collectible transactions,' Levy explained. This fragmented landscape is where Toki sees an opportunity to introduce a consolidated, secure platform. Unlike social platforms where transactions are scattered and unverified, Toki requires sellers to pass a rigorous screening process, and a dedicated team authenticates each item.