The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and digital financial platform Maya have launched a program to improve financial access for nearly 1.9 million digital Filipino workers. The initiative aims to provide savings tools and responsibly structured credit products, such as credit cards, to qualified employees in the IT-BPM sector.
The move comes as Maya formally joins IBPAP, signaling stronger collaboration between the IT-BPM industry and digital finance providers to support workforce financial well-being and ease of doing business. The sector contributes 8% of the country’s GDP, generates over $40 billion annually, and employs a largely young, tech-savvy workforce, many under 35.
Despite steady incomes and digital fluency, many digital workers remain underserved by traditional banks due to limited credit histories. The IBPAP-Maya initiative focuses on responsible credit access, helping workers build formal financial histories while reducing reliance on informal or high-cost lending.
“Financial resilience is directly linked to workforce stability and industry competitiveness,” said IBPAP President Jack Madrid. “Structured financial tools support retention, engagement, and long-term economic mobility.”
Maya CEO Orlando Vea emphasized the broader impact: “Millions of Filipino digital workers serve customers globally, yet many lack access to basic financial tools themselves. Providing savings and responsible credit opens doors to housing, insurance, and long-term wealth building. Financial inclusion must evolve from basic access to meaningful participation.”
Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid added that the program leverages digital data, disciplined underwriting, and clear terms to responsibly serve workers who are often bankable but underserved.
The partnership also explores modernizing payroll, disbursement, and reimbursement processes for IT-BPM companies, reducing administrative friction and operational costs for large employers. The initiative aligns with national priorities on financial inclusion and digital transformation, as noted by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas representatives.
Through digital engagement, behavioral savings nudges, and AI-powered credit models, Maya integrates tools for individual financial health with scalable systems for businesses, advancing both inclusion and ease of doing business in the Philippines.
