Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), has received the title of 'Digital Banking Champion of the Year' at the World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) 2026 Awards held in Pasay City.
Innovative Approaches to Financial Services
This award recognizes RCBC's successful shift from traditional banking to a digital-first strategy. The bank has effectively utilized digital platforms to serve millions of Filipinos, enhancing access to financial services.
The greatest recognition is not being celebrated for the change we have made. It is knowing that, because of that change, more lives now have a chance to move forward.
Lito Villanueva, RCBC Executive VP
- RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go are key digital platforms.
- Partnerships with government agencies have improved access to pension and banking services.
The jury's decision was influenced by several key initiatives launched by RCBC, including:
- The MySSS Card, integrating pension identification with banking capabilities.
- Access to digital gold through a collaboration with PDAX.
- Waiving InstaPay transfer fees across its mobile apps to enhance accessibility.
The WFIS event, held at the Manila Marriott, attracted over 600 leaders from the financial and technology sectors. Judges evaluated nominees based on performance and impact, underscoring the competitive nature of the awards.
RCBC's recognition at WFIS 2026 adds to its growing list of accolades, reflecting a broader trend in the banking sector toward digital transformation. The bank's assets reached Php 1.41 trillion in the first half of 2026, driven by a significant increase in consumer loans.