Insider Spotlight
The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in cybersecurity, digital innovation, and digital resilience across the public and private sectors.
The recognition reflects RCBC's continued expansion of its digital banking ecosystem, including RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go, while advancing initiatives that combine financial inclusion with cybersecurity, the company said in a release.
Villanueva, who also serves as founding chair of FinTech Alliance.PH, was cited for championing cross-sector collaboration and innovations designed to broaden access to financial services.
The big picture
Among RCBC's recent initiatives are the MySSS Card powered by RCBC DiskarTech in partnership with the Social Security System, the country's first U.S. Virtual Account for Filipinos without a U.S. address or residency through RCBC Pulz, and Southeast Asia's first manual cash withdrawal service for international and domestic tourists through RCBC ATM Go.
The bank also noted it has been recognized by Euromoney as Asia's Best Bank for Digital for six consecutive years and has received more than 400 global and regional awards over the past seven years.
What he's saying
Accepting the award, Villanueva dedicated the recognition to the wider fintech ecosystem.
"I accept this recognition on behalf of the many innovators, financial institutions, regulators, and industry partners who continue to work together in building a more secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered Philippines. This recognition inspires us to continue developing solutions that address the everyday needs of Filipinos while strengthening trust in digital finance," Villanueva said.
He also stressed the need to align innovation with security and accessibility as digital finance continues to evolve.
"As digital technologies continue to reshape financial services, our responsibility is not only to innovate but also to ensure that every innovation is secure, responsible, and accessible to every Filipino. Technology creates its greatest impact when it improves lives and empowers communities," he added.
What's next
Beyond RCBC, Villanueva continues to work with regulators, financial institutions, technology firms, and government agencies through FinTech Alliance.PH to help advance cybersecurity, digital innovation, and financial inclusion in the Philippines. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
