Insider Spotlight
The big picture
The study, released by Mastercard and titled Pathways to Financial Health, examined how consumers access and use financial services across markets. It combined transaction data, consumer insights, and financial health indicators to identify what drives meaningful financial participation.
RCBC stood alongside international peers including Access Bank Plc, Banreservas, and Nubank—but was the only bank from Asia to make the list.
Why it matters
The recognition signals growing global attention on Southeast Asia’s digital banking innovations, particularly those targeting underserved populations. For RCBC, it reinforces its strategy of moving customers beyond account ownership toward active financial usage.
Driving the news
At the center of RCBC’s inclusion efforts is DiskarTech, its mobile banking platform designed for mass-market users.
The report found that 61 percent of DiskarTech users moved beyond basic banking within six months, helped by gamified features and incentive-based design.
Meanwhile, 38 percent of new users signed up through referrals, highlighting the role of peer networks in expanding reach.
Customers holding both credit cards and digital accounts also showed higher bill payment activity, suggesting cross-product engagement boosts financial behavior.
What they’re saying
“This validates our approach of building solutions that go beyond access to drive real usage, financial capability, and long term inclusion. The goal is not just to onboard, but to empower every Filipino to actively participate in the financial system,” Lito Villanueva, RCBC executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer, said in a press statement on April 27, 2026.
“Financial inclusion today is all about enabling better financial outcomes; not just access. We are committed to leveraging data, technology, and partnerships to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem where no Filipino is left behind,” said RCBC president and CEO Reggie Cariaso.
Between the lines
The whitepaper highlights a broader industry shift—from simply onboarding users to ensuring sustained, meaningful engagement. RCBC’s approach suggests that behavioral design, incentives, and ecosystem integration are becoming critical tools in financial inclusion.
Bottom line
RCBC’s recognition positions it as a regional case study in digital finance, showing how targeted innovation can translate into both business growth and measurable social impact. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
