The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Japan-based fintech firm Digital Wallet Corp. (DWC)—the operator of Smiles, Japan’s top mobile remittance platform—to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of global money remittances, particularly for Filipinos in Japan.
The alliance combines PNB’s robust international banking network with DWC’s advanced digital remittance technology, aiming to streamline cross-border financial transactions and improve the remittance experience for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The agreement signifies a convergence of traditional banking and cutting-edge fintech solutions.
“By joining forces with Digital Wallet Corp., we are expanding our global remittance network and strengthening our ability to serve overseas Filipino workers,” said PNB president and CEO Edwin Bautista. “This means faster, more affordable, and more convenient money transfers—directly from mobile phones and backed by PNB’s trusted infrastructure.”
The partnership holds both commercial and social significance, underscoring a shared vision for greater financial inclusion. It is expected to bolster PNB’s cross-border service offerings while giving DWC access to a wider Philippine customer base through a trusted banking partner.
DWC founder and CEO Eiji Miyakawa described the partnership as a “fusion of technology and trust” aimed at delivering an efficient and inclusive financial ecosystem for Filipinos worldwide.
The formal signing was attended by key executives from both companies, including PNB chairman Edgar Cua, director Isabelita Papa, and DWC EVP Alex Rapi Milan, a former PNB executive. Milan emphasized the partnership’s personal and professional resonance, noting that “everything I know about banking and remittance, I learned at PNB.”
This collaboration not only modernizes remittance processes but also reinforces the broader commitment of both institutions to uplift the lives of overseas Filipinos and their families—“connecting systems, and connecting lives.”
