Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), the country’s 6th largest lender by assets, is deepening its financial inclusion push through a partnership with Tambunting Pawnshop, bringing digital banking services to more underserved communities through over 100 branches nationwide.
The two firms recently signed a memorandum of agreement to roll out RCBC ATM Go’s agency banking services across Tambunting’s extensive branch network, expanding access to basic financial services beyond traditional bank locations.
The move strengthens RCBC ATM Go’s position as one of the country’s largest grassroots banking networks, with a footprint spanning all 82 provinces. Through compact mobile point-of-sale terminals, the platform allows partner outlets to provide services ranging from cash deposits and withdrawals to remittances, bill payments, fund transfers, mobile loading, and government benefit payouts.
A key feature of the partnership is the ability of RCBC clients to make cash deposits directly into their accounts through participating Tambunting branches—a service expected to benefit customers in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
Currently, 57 Tambunting branches offer RCBC ATM Go services. The partners plan to nearly double that number to 101 branches by the end of July, accelerating the reach of digital banking in provincial and rural markets.
The expansion highlights a growing trend among banks to leverage established community-based networks to close the country’s financial inclusion gap, particularly in areas where building traditional branches may not be economically viable.
“Financial inclusion is a team effort,” said RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva. He noted that combining Tambunting’s trusted community presence with RCBC’s digital capabilities would help more Filipinos save, transact, and build financial resilience.
For Tambunting, the partnership aligns with its long-standing goal of reaching unbanked Filipinos. President and CEO Miguel Tambunting said the collaboration would help extend essential financial services to more communities, advancing broader efforts to bring formal banking closer to everyday Filipinos.
