The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is rolling out technical assistance to help rural banks quicken their digital transformation, offering qualified institutions a free three-year subscription to a cloud-based core banking system and other support.
The initiative falls under the Digitalization Technical Assistance component of the BSP’s Rural Bank Strengthening Program (RBSP), with guidelines issued August 12, 2026. It aims to streamline bank operations, boost cybersecurity and resilience, improve customer service, and make regulatory compliance easier for rural lenders.
“Rural banks are a vital partner of the BSP in driving growth, especially in rural communities,” said BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. “Through this digitalization program, we aim to help rural banks become stronger, more competitive, and better equipped to serve their customers.”
The system will be delivered as Software-as-a-Service by an external provider. Assistance also covers preparation and adoption support.
To qualify, rural banks must show commitment to RBSP goals, meet BSP minimum capital rules, and not already have an active SaaS-based core banking subscription. Applications open one month after guideline issuance. BSP may hold briefing sessions to help banks prepare.
The RBSP Technical Assistance framework — approved by the Monetary Board in January 2024 — includes digitalization, financial advisory, and capacity building. It is anchored on Republic Act No. 7353, the 1992 Rural Banks Act, which authorizes BSP to extend technical help to the sector.
