Insider Spotlight
Citi is directly providing more than P300 million and is serving as coordinator of the financing partnership, mobilizing more than P1.2 billion in additional funding from DEG, part of KfW Group.
Why it matters
Access to affordable financing remains critical for micro-entrepreneurs in the Philippines, particularly those underserved by traditional financial institutions. The new funding will allow OnePuhunan (CreditAccess Philippines Financing Company Inc), to expand its microfinance portfolio and help women increase productivity and income.
“This co-financing demonstrates how global financial institutions like Citi and DEG working together, can have a meaningful impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs,” Citi global head of social finance Jorge Rubio Nava said.
The partnership is designed to channel more capital toward women-led micro-businesses, helping entrepreneurs build more productive businesses while supporting wider economic activity in their communities.
“Empowering them to succeed in business and enabling progress in their community. This is in line with Citi’s mission to help build more sustainable and economically vibrant communities,” Rubio Nava said.
By the numbers
OnePuhunan had a gross loan portfolio of more than P10 billion as of 2025. Its 315 branches span 16 regions and serve more than 600,000 borrowers, giving the financing the potential to reach communities across the archipelago.
“We are grateful for the trust of Citi and DEG. This opportunity will support our efforts to expand our reach across the Philippines and accelerate the digitalization of our operations and offerings. Through this, we aim to serve more Filipinos with accessible financial solutions that create meaningful and lasting value in their lives,” OnePuhunan CEO and president Daniele Rovere said.
The bigger picture
The transaction is DEG’s first debt investment in the Philippine financial inclusion sector and Citi’s first Social Finance partnership with DEG in the country. It also aligns with government priorities to broaden financial inclusion and improve underserved communities’ access to capital.
“At DEG, we are proud to join forces with Citi and OnePuhunan to unlock new opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and drive meaningful change for women across the Philippines,” DEG director FI Debt Asia/EMECA Juliane Loch said.
“By improving access to finance, we want to empower women to expand their businesses, increase household incomes, and build stronger futures for their families and communities. Together, we are helping to advance financial inclusion and create sustainable impact where it matters most,” Loch continued. — Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
