Advancing financial inclusion and digital transformation

In a country where nearly half the adult population was once unbanked, mobile-first innovation is proving to be a game changer for financial inclusion.

By leveraging digital technology, a pioneering banking initiative has successfully extended essential financial services—such as micro-loans, digital savings, and bill payments—to underserved communities across the Philippines.

The focus: bridging the access gap for low-income and rural populations through minimal-KYC mobile platforms that bring banking directly into the hands of the people.

At the heart of this initiative is an inclusive digital model—an app-based ecosystem reinforced by government outreach, grassroots education, and simplified onboarding.

From sari-sari store owners to remote agricultural workers, users have been empowered to open accounts and begin their digital financial journey without the traditional hurdles of physical documentation or long-distance travel. Community partnerships, localized support, and targeted learning modules played a vital role in building trust and accelerating adoption.

The impact has been remarkable. In under two years, over five million new users were onboarded, with digital transactions in rural areas surging by more than 60%. The initiative also drove a rise in financial literacy, thanks to built-in learning tools and educational workshops.

Today, it stands as a regional benchmark for how mobile-led, human-centered design can transform financial ecosystems and empower the unbanked.

Setting the stage for innovation

Organized by Exito, a global leader in B2B conferences and business intelligence, the 28th BFSI Innovation & Technology Summit – Philippines will take place on May 23 at Shangri-La Makati, Manila.

The summit will convene top executives, government leaders, fintech innovators, and technology providers to explore the cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector.

Event overview

The summit serves as a premier platform for C-suite executives, regulators, fintech innovators, and technology experts to converge and discuss the future of finance.

As the Philippines accelerates its digital transformation journey, the summit will spotlight real-time use cases, region-specific trends, and collaborative strategies to future-proof financial services.

Featured speakers

▪️Dennis Omila, Chief Transformation Officer, UnionBank of the Philippines

▪️Kyel John David, Chief Technology Officer, Salmon Bank Philippines

▪️Samir Kumar, Group Chief Shared Services Officer, QBE Group Shared Services Ltd. – Philippine Branch

▪️Mila Bedrenets, Chief Growth Hacker, TONIK

▪️Rei Nikolai Magnaye, Chief Information Security Officer, Equicom Savings Bank

Key discussion themes

▪️Empowering a Digital Economy

▪️AI with Integrity

▪️Open Banking: Connecting the Financial World

▪️Fin-tech or Fin-human: Investment Priorities

▪️Digital Transformation in Insurance

▪️Navigating Uncertainty: Risk Management

▪️Building a Financially Inclusive Future

Why you should attend?

As fintech rockets launch, cloud platforms scale, and AI-driven solutions reshape the BFSI landscape, the future of finance is no longer a distant vision—it’s happening now. The BFSI Innovation & Technology Summit – Philippines 2025 offers a front-row seat to this revolution.

Whether you’re a bank executive, digital disruptor, or a bold innovator ready to challenge the status quo, this summit is your moment to connect, learn, and lead.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the story, because in this new financial frontier, fortune favors the bold.

For more information, visit: https://bfsiitsummit.com/philippines/