Inside Skyro's Credit Decisioning: Why more Data is Not Always Better

In digital lending, faster decisions are increasingly expected. But speed alone does not make a credit model better.

 

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey, 31% of Filipino borrowers cite fast loan processing and approval as their top consideration when taking a loan.

 

For lenders, delivering that speed is more complicated than simply collecting more information.

 

Skyro, an SEC-registered fintech company, says its approach is built around a different question: which data actually improves a credit decision? The company uses a combination of traditional and alternative data sources, verification tools, behavioral analytics, and automated fraud monitoring to assess applications. According to Skyro, this approach has contributed to an up to 10% improvement in portfolio profitability while helping the company make faster, more informed credit decisions without compromising verification and risk controls.

 

For Emmanuel Ebuen, Skyro Head of Risk Portfolio Management, the value of alternative data lies not only in volume and more in how each source performs. “There are a lot of alternative data providers in the market for telco, credit bureaus, transactions, and more. For each of them, we test to learn which ones are most effective and economically efficient,” Ebuen said.

 

That distinction matters in markets where a borrower’s traditional financial footprint may be limited and where data quality can vary significantly across providers.

 

More data adds value when weighed carefully
Traditional credit assessment often relies on information from banks, credit cards, and previous loans. That can leave lenders with less information when evaluating first-time borrowers or people with little to no formal credit history.

 

Alternative data can add more signals to that assessment, but Skyro does not treat every source equally useful. Instead, the company evaluates data sources based on their reliability and predictive value, then combines those signals with other information available during the application process.

 

“Having more alternative sources adds more dimensions to how well we understand our clients. It makes decisions fairer,” Ebuen said.

 

For Skyro, this means alternative data is not intended to replace traditional credit evaluation. Rather, it supplements conventional information, particularly when that information alone does not provide a complete picture of the customer.

 

Making credit decisions fast without compromising care

Customers expect a quick response, but speed cannot come at the expense of careful assessment. For Serhii Shelest, Skyro Deputy Head of Risk, making credit decisions quickly means having the right verification and fraud controls working together throughout the process.

 

“Skyro combines several layers of verification and analytics to make fast credit decisions while keeping risks under control,” Shelest explained.

 

Its verification framework includes eKYC, or electronic Know-Your-Customer, document checks, liveness detection, face matching, and forgery detection.

 

Customer information is also checked against internal and external data sources. Skyro uses behavioral analytics, device signals, and environmental data to identify potential inconsistencies or suspicious activity.

 

Automated fraud and risk monitoring also runs throughout the application process. “The goal is not only to speed up approval times, but also to maintain verification quality and fraud prevention standards,” Shelest said.

 

For Skyro, the objective is not simply to make decisions faster, but to make them fast and carefully, using multiple layers of data, verification, and risk assessment to support each decision.

 

The bigger challenge is fragmented data

While alternative data creates more possibilities for credit assessment, Ebuen points to one structural issue that continues to affect lenders in emerging markets: fragmentation.

 

“The biggest challenge is data fragmentation. In many emerging markets, information is spread across different providers, and the quality and availability of data can vary significantly,” he said.

 

That fragmentation creates practical challenges. Data may not always be updated at the same speed. Integration between different providers and market participants can be limited. Some data services are expensive. Lenders also need to balance the amount of information they collect against data privacy requirements and customer experience.

 

The challenge, therefore, is not simply obtaining more data. It is determining which information is reliable enough and useful enough to influence a decision.

 

 

 

Skyro addresses this through a risk-based approach. The company prioritizes sources according to reliability and predictive value, while the level of verification can vary depending on the customer profile, product type, application quality, and risk signals detected during the process.

 

“If we identify inconsistencies or missing information, we may apply additional verification checks, request supplementary data, or use alternative data points to support the assessment,” Ebuen said. “The idea is to balance risk control with a smooth customer experience.”

 

Fraud detection is becoming part of credit decisioning itself

The same data used to understand legitimate customers can also help lenders identify activity that may signal fraud. For Shelest, this is where verification and antifraud become an integral part of the credit decisioning process.

 

“Some of the most common fraud cases in digital lending include identity theft, the use of mule accounts, synthetic identities, and multiple coordinated applications,” Shelest said.

 

As part of its antifraud framework, Skyro uses an Early Warning System (EWS) to analyze multiple risk signals and identify suspicious patterns. According to the company, the EWS flags about one in four fraud cases at an early stage, helping Skyro stop fraud before losses occur or minimize their impact.

 

The EWS is one part of a wider monitoring framework. Skyro also analyzes documentation verification results, customer and device behavior, duplicate patterns, risk indicators from internal and external sources, and anomalies that appear throughout the credit application journey.

 

The result is a credit decisioning process in which fraud detection, customer verification, and risk assessment are increasingly interconnected rather than treated as separate steps.

 

The next advantage may come from using data better

As digital lending continues to develop, the competitive advantage may increasingly come from how well lenders interpret the information already available to them.

 

For Skyro, that means continuously testing which data sources improve decision-making, adapting verification based on risk, and refining fraud controls as new patterns emerge. “At the end of the day, we want all Filipinos to have a fair chance at accessing financial services. Our technologies are constantly being upgraded to ensure the safety and convenience of both our current and future customers,” Ebuen said.

 

The bigger shift is not simply toward more alternative data, but toward more intelligent credit decisioning.  For lenders like Skyro, the advantage lies in knowing which signals are meaningful, how to combine them, and when additional verification is necessary. In a market where financial data can be fragmented and traditional credit histories incomplete, that capability can determine whether faster lending also becomes more accurate, secure, and scalable.

 

The future of digital lending will not be won by the lender with the most data. It will be won by those that know how to use the right data, at the right moment, to make better decisions.

 

To learn more about Skyro, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

Island Credit Solution and Philippine Statistics Authority Partner to Strengthen Digital Credit Access in the Philippines through the National ID

Quezon City, Philippines – October 8, 2026 – Island Credit Solution (ICS) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have recently formalized a partnership to make accessing credit information more secure and convenient for Filipinos through the integration of the National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS) into CreditMo.

This established ICS, and its credit platform, as the first Special Accessing Entity (SAE) and credit bureau partner successfully integrated with NIDAS.

Powered by ICS, CreditMo is a digital credit platform that enables individuals to access their credit reports and scores, monitor their credit standing, and receive personalized insights and financial product recommendations based on their credit profiles.

With this collaboration, CreditMo users can use their National ID to verify their identity when requesting a credit report. The integration helps ensure that sensitive credit data is accessed by the rightful individual while making the verification seamless.

“This collaboration is an opportunity to translate the capabilities of the National ID into a practical digital application that responds to the needs of Filipinos. It demonstrates how the National ID can make services more convenient, accessible, and inclusive through a more streamlined digital identity verification process,” said PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda P. Bautista, Deputy National Statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office.

Making Credit Access More Convenient and Secure

For CreditMo users, the partnership simplifies the process of confirming their identity when requesting their credit information. Previously, users had to complete several steps, including submitting an identification document, confirming their details, and undergoing a liveness check. With NIDAS, the process is now just one quick step using the National ID.

The integration also strengthens the protection of users’ personal information. Instead of relying only on a photo of an identification document, NIDAS allows CreditMo to verify a user's identity against the National ID database. This helps reduce the risk of fraudulent identification and helps protect the confidentiality of users’ credit records.

Helping Filipinos Understand Their Credit

CreditMo also gives individuals a clearer view of information that can affect their access to financial products and services. Through the platform, users can review their credit report and score, see their credit history and payment behavior, and receive insights based on their profile.

For Alex Zhu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Island Credit Solution, this gives individuals a more active role in understanding their credit. Traditionally, credit reports have primarily been used by financial institutions to assess borrowers, while individuals have had less visibility into their own credit profile.

“For decades, credit solutions have largely focused on financial institutions. We believe the next generation of credit solutions should also put individuals at the center. If institutions use a magnifying glass to understand borrowers, our vision is to turn that magnifying glass into a mirror, giving individuals a clearer view of their credit and helping them find ways to improve it,” Zhu said.

With this perspective, users can better recognize how their financial behavior shapes their credit profile and identify areas they can work on over time.

Advancing Financial Inclusion

The partnership also contributes to financial inclusion by giving individuals greater visibility into information that can help them participate more confidently in the formal financial system. By bringing together PSA’s National ID capabilities and ICS’s credit technology, the collaboration shows how public and private sector solutions can work together to meet evolving financial needs of Filipinos.

“This partnership represents a valuable collaboration that supports our collective goal of strengthening trust, transparency, and accessibility within the country’s digital and financial services. Partnerships such as this play an important role in building a more inclusive, secure, and digitally empowered Philippines,” said Atty. Henedine P. Palabras, Officer-in-Charge Assistant National Statistician of the PSA’s Use Case Development and Management Service.

For Island Credit Solution, making credit information more accessible is ultimately about helping Filipinos see the financial opportunities available to them and giving them the confidence to take the next step.

“At ICS, we believe that when Filipinos have access to the right information, they have greater power to take action. That can open doors to financial opportunities,” Mery Singh, Chief of Staff of Island Credit Solution, concluded.

To learn more about Island Credit Solution, visit its website at https://www.islandcredit.tech/. The CreditMo app is also available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

Muntinlupa Broadens Financial Assistance Access for Scholars with GCash Visa Card

Officials from the City Government of Muntinlupa and GCash formally expanded their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reinforcing the joint commitment to making financial assistance more accessible and convenient for scholars and beneficiaries.

The City Government of Muntinlupa is expanding its existing partnership with GCash to provide scholars and other beneficiaries with more flexible ways to access financial assistance, including the option to use GCash Cards alongside digital disbursement services.

This growth extends the city's financial disbursement system (FDS) partnership from select, limited scholarship programs to a broader student population, ensuring more scholars across Muntinlupa benefit from streamlined digital payouts.

Building on the city’s ongoing use of digital disbursements, the expanded initiative has introduced physical GCash Cards to college beneficiaries. The first batch of cards was distributed to 180 Colegio de Muntinlupa scholars in August 2026.

The GCash Card serves as an additional access method alongside the primary GCash app, giving students the flexibility to withdraw cash or pay via card terminals, even if they choose not to use the mobile app directly.

The initiative forms part of Muntinlupa's broader commitment to modernizing public service delivery and enhancing the distribution of government assistance through digital solutions.

By expanding available disbursement options, the city seeks to make financial assistance programs more efficient while ensuring beneficiaries have greater flexibility in managing the support they receive.

“The City Government of Muntinlupa remains committed to making education and social assistance programs more accessible to our constituents. Through this collaboration, we are helping ensure that government support is delivered in a manner that is convenient, secure, and responsive to our constituents’ needs,” shares City mayor Ruffy Biazon.

For many scholars and beneficiaries, having multiple ways to access financial assistance, whether through the GCash mobile app or the physical GCash Card, helps improve convenience and makes government support more accessible based on individual needs and preferences.

Meanwhile, GCash head of B2B sales, Cleo Celeste Santos, expressed gratitude for the continued trust of the City Government of Muntinlupa, noting that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to making financial assistance more accessible for scholars and beneficiaries. She added, “At GCash, we are honored to support the city's efforts to empower scholars and beneficiaries through digital financial solutions that provide greater convenience, flexibility, and inclusion.”

As Muntinlupa continues to invest in education and community development, the expanded partnership highlights how digital financial tools and physical payment cards can help local governments deliver assistance in ways that are more accessible, convenient, and responsive to the city’s needs.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

PCIC and GCash Partner to Speed Up Insurance Payout for Filipino Farmers

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), in partnership with GCash, is making it easier for farmers to access their insurance payouts by providing a faster and more convenient way to receive and use indemnity payments through digital financial services.

Through this partnership, PCIC leverages the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to deliver instant digital payouts as an alternative to traditional cheques. Farmers no longer need to travel long distances to encash cheques or attend distribution events, gaining direct, secure access to their funds via GCash.

 

PCIC and GCash are also issuing free co-branded PCIC x GCash Visa cards, giving farmers an accessible way to withdraw their insurance payouts from ATMs or pay directly at Visa-accepting merchants. This provides essential financial flexibility, ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency funds even when they do not have their mobile devices. 

For many farmers who live far from cities and banking facilities, accessing insurance payouts through traditional channels can be costly and time-consuming. By bringing digital disbursement and card-based access closer to them, the partnership aims to make the process more convenient while helping farmers access financial support when they need it most.

"Our partnership with GCash enables PCIC to strengthen our existing services through practical digital solutions that make insurance more accessible and convenient for farmers, especially those in communities far from traditional banking facilities," said PCIC business development and marketing manager Israel De La Cruz.

The initiative highlights how digital financial services can make government assistance more accessible to Filipinos, particularly those in communities that face barriers to traditional financial services. Through GCash, farmers can have more convenient options for receiving and accessing funds without the need to rely solely on manual cheque distribution and bank encashment.

“At GCash, we believe that digital financial services can help make essential financial support more accessible to more Filipinos. Through our partnership with PCIC, we are providing farmers with more convenient ways to receive and use their indemnity payments, while the co-branded GCash Visa Card gives them added flexibility in accessing their funds,” said GCash public sector head Chai Alano.

By combining digital fund disbursement with accessible card-based payment and cash-out options, GCash and PCIC are helping make financial assistance more convenient for farmers and supporting their recovery and participation in the digital economy.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Non-stop Luck Anytime, Anywhere with Solaire Pay

From the restaurants and the resort all the way to the rooms and suites, Solaire Resort has perfected its signature experience through exceptional service standards in every aspect. Guests and patrons alike are treated with the utmost care, ensuring each visitor has a convenient, seamless, and memorable stay. On gaming floors, the very same convenience is taken up to the next level as the integrated resort offers Solaire Pay, providing uninterrupted fun all-throughout.

Patrons are invited to make the most of each visit with a new way to keep the fun going with a simple tap, pay, and play mechanic. Through the official MySolaire app, luck reaches an all-new high with Solaire Pay providing an option to reload for the next run in a safe and secure way, through transferring funds directly from digital wallets to load the next slot machine play for free, instantly. The lucky streak keeps rolling as patrons no longer need to leave their spot to line up at an ATM, breaking the momentum.

Enjoy more fun with less interruptions through the convenience and efficiency of Solaire Pay. Don’t miss out on the luckiest plays with Solaire’s latest way to offer more play and more fun in the easiest way. Take on amazing promos and opportunities and sign up for the Solaire Rewards program to explore a variety of discounts across the property, while new members also receive exciting offers and reduced rates.

To top up a Solaire Rewards account other than, visit www.solairepay.com and continue enjoying a seamless way to fund each lucky play. 

De La Salle University and GCash Launch First-Ever Fintech Engineering Elective to Develop the Next Generation of Tech Talent

 

De La Salle University (DLSU) and GCash are partnering to strengthen tech talent development through the NextGen Tech Builders Program, an industry-designed fintech engineering elective that brings real-world technology practices into the university classroom.

 

As DLSU’s Term 1 classes starts, DLSU undergraduate students will gain hands-on experience with the technologies and development practices used to build and operate large-scale digital platforms.

 

The elective is part of a deeper collaboration between DLSU and GCash, giving students the opportunity to develop fintech engineering skills while still in university. The program combines classroom learning with practical work, including a fintech capstone project where students can apply what they learn to real-world challenges.

 

DLSU students also joined a forum introducing the new elective and its fintech track. Ding, a DLSU alumnus and member of the GCash Cadetship Program Batch 2023, shared their career journey and experience in fintech, giving students a firsthand look at opportunities in the industry.

 

Through the program, students will learn technologies commonly used in modern fintech development, including Java, Spring Boot, cloud computing, and microservices. GCash will provide course materials and cloud-based laboratory environments to give students hands-on fintech industry-wide experiences, practices, and systems.

 

The initiative builds on the GCash technology cadetship model by bringing industry training into the university curriculum. This gives students earlier exposure to the skills and practices they can expect to use in their future technology careers.

 

“DLSU is committed to preparing our students not only with strong academic foundations but also with the practical skills and industry exposure they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Through this collaboration with GCash, we are creating opportunities for our students to learn directly from industry practices and better prepare for meaningful careers in fintech and technology,” said DLSU College of Computer Studies dean Dr. Ethel Ong.

 

Students who complete the GCash elective will also have access to fast-tracked pathways into technical roles at GCash, creating a direct link between their academic experience and potential career opportunities.

 

For GCash, the partnership reflects its broader commitment to developing the talent needed to support the country’s growing digital economy. By working closely with universities, GCash is helping strengthen the pipeline of Filipino technology professionals while bringing industry experience closer to the classroom.

 

“Technology talent is critical to the continued growth of the digital economy, and we believe that developing that talent should begin well before students enter the workforce. Through the NextGen Tech Builders Program, we are bringing our industry experience into the classroom to help students build practical, relevant skills and create a stronger pipeline of locally trained fintech engineers,” shared Mynt chief people officer, Robert Gonzales.

 

The NextGen Tech Builders Program represents a closer connection between university education and industry practice, giving DLSU students an opportunity to develop specialized fintech engineering skills while still in school. Through the collaboration, DLSU and GCash aim to contribute to a stronger pipeline of locally trained technology talent prepared for the demands of the digital economy.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

PH-Owned Fintech Firm BCRemit Marks 10 Years, Surpasses US$1B in Cross-Border Transfers

16 September 2026 Manila, Philippines — BCRemit, a Filipino-led global digital remittance company, has crossed US$1 billion in total processed transactions as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The milestone solidifies its position as a major cross-border payment platform for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as the company expands into enterprise payments and new regional corridors.

Founded in 2016 by former overseas worker Oliver “Bong” Calma and his son Jose Angelo “Gio” Calma, BCRemit was built directly out of the founders' personal experience with the high costs and delays of sending money home. Rooted in the belief that OFWs deserve to 'send money back home faster,' the platform has now processed over one million transactions across its network.

“Our mission has always been to show that Filipino-led innovation can offer transformative solutions to the world,” said Oliver Calma, Founder and CEO of BCRemit.

By leveraging blockchain technology and USD stablecoins, BCRemit has disrupted traditional remittance channels, reducing average transaction costs to approximately 1% with zero hidden fees, cheaper than the global average remittance cost of 6.4%. This next-gen fintech remittance infrastructure enables near-instant transfers, bypassing the 3-5 day delays typical of legacy banking networks and ensuring recipient families have access to fast and secure digital service and receive maximum financial value from their loved ones abroad without friction.

Today, BCRemit operates across 24 countries worldwide. Its international footprint expanded following strategic market entries into Spain in June 2021, backed by licensed entity BC Remittance S.L. to establish a regulatory passporting foundation across the European Union, followed by rollouts in Canada in January 2022 and the United States in August 2022.

Beyond standard transfers to Philippine banks such as BDO and BPI, cash pickup locations, and e-wallets like GCash and Maya, the platform offers direct bill payments through BCRemit Pay. Overseas workers can directly settle government obligations, including SSS, Pag-IBIG regular/MP2 savings, and loan repayments, alongside property bills and mobile top-ups. To complement its digital channels, BCRemit provides 24/7 human customer support to maintain personal trust for critical family transactions.

Looking ahead, BCRemit is extending its cross-border settlement capabilities beyond retail transfers. The firm is scaling its payment rails to serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, and freelancers, while offering white-label payout integrations for third-party financial institutions.

Additionally, BCRemit is preparing to launch in high-volume corridors across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, with priority target markets including Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Banco de España, FINTRAC and Bank of Canada, BCRemit remains committed to strict compliance while serving over 10.8 million overseas Filipinos worldwide.

For more information, you may visit https://www.bcremit.com/ or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Diversifying Your Investment: How to Make the Leap from Gold to Bitcoin

Gold has always been a go-to safety net for protecting money, but today’s investors aren't stopping there. More and more people are pairing traditional assets with newer digital investments to get the best of both worlds: securing their wealth and giving their money room to grow.

Adding digital gold to the mix is a strategic way to build lasting wealth—and it's catching on fast across the region. A report by The Economist highlights that Asian countries account for 64.5% of global demand for gold jewelry and bullion, while the World Gold Council noted that digital gold products have seen a major breakout in recent years.

But sticking only to traditional gold and stocks can mean missing out on bigger returns. That’s why many investors view Bitcoin as a complementary pair for gold when it comes to building a well-rounded portfolio.

“Today, Filipinos are looking for ways to protect the value of their hard-earned money amid everyday financial pressures," says Alden Paul Yburan, Head of GCrypto. "By offering digital gold and curated crypto options side-by-side, GCash aims to enable users to build long-term financial resilience and balance their portfolios right within a platform they already trust.”

Why Gold Investors are Looking at Bitcoin 

Digital gold offers the stability and inflation hedge traditionally associated with physical gold, holding its ground when the economy gets rocky. However, the digital version eliminates the logistical baggage of physical ownership—there’s no need for trips to a jeweler, no massive upfront cashouts, and zero worry about secure vault storage.

Building on this foundation, investors looking to accelerate portfolio growth are increasingly turning to Bitcoin. As a decentralized digital asset, it has established itself as one of the fastest-growing investments over the last five years, outperforming many traditional funds and local stocks.

A study by Bitwise notes that adding a manageable allocation of Bitcoin to a diversified portfolio has historically improved risk-adjusted returns, allowing investors to increase potential returns without proportionately increasing the portfolio's overall risk.

Bitcoin also operates on global networks that trade 24/7, giving one the ability to manage or convert your holdings right from your phone. Because its price movements are generally independent of traditional markets, it ensures the portfolio is not entirely exposed to the same market pressures at the same time.

“When you pair them, they complement each other perfectly to balance your portfolio: when traditional markets dip, digital gold acts as your cushion, and when technology and digital adoption skyrocket, Bitcoin acts as your accelerator,” said Yburan.

Moving From Gold to Crypto In One App

Users can manage both digital gold and Bitcoin directly from their phones using GCrypto on GCash.

Acquiring digital gold has been made accessible through GCrypto. Entry begins at just ₱500, allowing one to grow holdings at their own pace through small, consistent contributions. GOLD in GCrypto is also fully insured, certified, and backed 1:1 by physical gold stored in high-security vaults in Switzerland, with full visibility to monitor, buy, or sell 24/7.

“Transitioning from a stable asset like gold into the broader world of cryptocurrency follows that same user-friendly path," says Yburan said.  "Growing investors can gain direct exposure to Bitcoin—historically one of the fastest-growing modern asset classes—without the hassle of managing multiple external applications. We are removing traditional barriers and enabling more Filipinos to take part in building long-term financial resilience, right within a platform they already trust.”

For those who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the crypto world, GCrypto offers access to A Beginner’s Guide to Crypto, right inside the app, to help understand Bitcoin and other major tokens. The tokens available on GCrypto are also curated for market strength and credibility, helping avoid scams and ‘rug pulls,’ or instances where new coin creators abandon a project and take raised investor funds.

Like GOLD in GCrypto, there’s no need to shell out a massive lump sum to start. GCash users can start exploring Bitcoin and supplement their digital gold investments for as low as ₱500.

Upgrading your financial strategy doesn’t mean abandoning classic financial moves. It’s about expanding your investment choices—giving you both financial peace of mind and the upside of watching your wealth grow. 

Ready to explore? Simply open the GCash app, go to the Invest tab, then choose GCrypto to begin building your cryptocurrency investment through Bitcoin. Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. You should always consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.

Security Bank Sharpens Focus on Wealth, Entrepreneurs, and Corporates to Drive Next Growth Phase

Makati City, Philippines, August 28, 2026 – Security Bank Corporation unveiled a focused three-year strategy to capture the next wave of growth in Philippine banking. The Bank will concentrate on wealth management, entrepreneur banking, and corporate and institutional banking, leveraging its existing strengths where it believes it can compete from that position of strength.

Presented at Investor Day 2026, the strategy comes as Security Bank celebrates its 75th anniversary and builds on strong first-half momentum. The Bank reported net income of PHP6.1 billion, revenues of PHP34.9 billion, and pre-provision operating profit of PHP15.4 billion for the period.

“As we mark our 75th year, we’re looking ahead with clarity and confidence,” said Victor Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Bank. "We know where the opportunities are. We know the strengths we bring to them. Our direction is clear. The momentum we are seeing today gives us confidence in the road ahead."

At the heart of the strategy are three growth businesses. Through wealth management, Security Bank will deepen relationships with affluent and emerging affluent clients. Through entrepreneur banking, it aims to become the bank of choice for business owners. In corporate and institutional banking, it will pursue opportunities linked to major projects, business ecosystems, and growing cross-border activity.

Security Bank will support businesses by strengthening transaction banking, with the ambition of becoming the preferred operating bank for more clients. A larger role in clients’ payments, collections, cash management, and daily financial activities will help the Bank build deeper relationships and reinforce its deposit franchise.

A key advantage is Security Bank's strategic partnership with MUFG Bank, which combines the Bank's knowledge of the Philippine market with MUFG's global network, sector expertise, and cross-border capabilities. Building on the success of its Japan Desk, the Bank sees further opportunities to serve multinational companies and support investment and business flows across key international corridors.

Security Bank will also participate in broader consumer growth through an ecosystem that includes Home Credit, Mitsubishi Motors Finance, and SB Finance. These businesses extend the Bank's reach into consumer and mobility financing while creating opportunities beyond the parent bank.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Lee said. “We're deliberate about where we grow. We will focus on areas where we believe we can build a meaningful advantage over time. We know why we can win. And we intend to earn that right every day.”