Insider Spotlight
The program targets nearly 1.9 million Filipino workers employed in the IT-BPM sector, one of the country’s largest economic engines.
The big picture
The partnership aims to improve financial health across the industry by providing access to formal savings products and responsibly underwritten credit cards for qualified employees.
The move also marks Maya’s formal induction into IBPAP, strengthening collaboration between the digital finance sector and the IT-BPM industry.
Why it matters
The IT-BPM sector contributes about 8 percent of Philippine gross domestic product and generates more than $40 billion in annual contributions while employing a young and digitally native workforce.
A large share of employees are under 35, placing them among the country’s most economically active demographics.
Yet many digital workers remain underserved by traditional banking systems despite steady incomes.
Limited credit histories and legacy underwriting models have historically restricted access to formal credit products such as credit cards.
What they’re saying
“Financial resilience is directly linked to workforce stability and industry competitiveness,” said Jack Madrid, president of IBPAP.
“By strengthening access to structured financial tools, we support retention, engagement, and long-term economic mobility within one of the country’s most important growth sectors.”
In a company statement released alongside the announcement, Maya executives said the initiative aims to help digital workers build stronger financial footprints while expanding access to responsible credit.
“Millions of Filipino digital workers support customers around the world in managing their financial transactions every day,” said Maya Group chief executive officer and founder Orlando B. Vea. “Yet many of these same workers have historically had limited access to formal financial tools themselves.”
Zoom in
The program emphasizes disciplined credit access rather than encouraging more borrowing.
“We want savings tools and responsibly issued credit cards in the hands of every Filipino digital worker who qualifies,” said Angelo Madrid, president of Maya Bank.
Beyond workforce financial health, the partnership will also explore ways to modernize payroll, disbursement, and reimbursement workflows across IT-BPM companies, helping reduce operational friction for large employers operating around the clock.
The initiative was reaffirmed in the presence of representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, aligning the effort with national priorities on financial inclusion and digital transformation. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
