The accolade underscores the impact of its Advanced Tier (AT) platform, which addresses long-standing barriers to credit access for the country’s unbanked and underbanked population.
Launched in 2023 and enhanced through 2024, the AT platform has become a cornerstone of CIBI’s mission to bring more Filipinos into the formal financial ecosystem.
Financial inclusion
The platform enables credit assessment for individuals with limited or no formal credit history by utilizing high-quality credit data sourced from the government-mandated Credit Information Corp. (CIC).
CIBI’s efforts have yielded tangible results. Over the past year, the platform contributed to a 24-percent increase in the number of scorable Filipinos and expanded tradeline coverage by 25 percent, key indicators of broader and more equitable access to credit.
“One of the biggest barriers to financial inclusion is access to credit,” said Pia Arellano, president and CEO of CIBI. “This award validates the work we have done at CIBI for 43 years now—it is truly an honor and privilege to be catalysts for financial inclusion.”
Credit visibility, informed lending
Euromonitor International reports that up to 76 percent of Filipinos remain unbanked or underserved by financial institutions.
CIBI’s AT platform addresses this by democratizing credit visibility and supporting informed lending, especially among rural banks, thrift institutions, and fintech companies serving grassroots communities.
By delivering real-time, reliable credit information, CIBI empowers lenders—big and small—to make responsible lending decisions and manage risk more effectively. This access helps build a more inclusive credit environment across the country.
In the pipeline
Looking ahead, CIBI plans to enhance the platform with features such as Triggers and Attribute Monitoring. These tools will enable lenders to assess risk proactively and provide more predictive insights.
The company is also investing in advanced scoring models and broadening partnerships, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that financial services reach even the most underserved communities.
Arellano emphasized that CIBI’s legacy is not just about data, but about building a future where “not a single Filipino is left behind.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
