Fiuu Predicts Top 2026 Trends in the Philippines’ Digital Payments Landscape

Fiuu, the leading fintech platform in Southeast Asia, has identified top trends and predictions for digital payments in the Philippines.

2025 was a pivotal year for the industry in the Philippines. A series of long-anticipated developments came together within a short period of time: the entry of Apple Pay and Google Pay, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ push for 24/7 real-time payment infrastructure, tighter anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and regulatory guidance across the financial system.

Collectively, these shifts changed the role of digital payments in everyday commerce. What was once driven by convenience and incentives has become a necessity for both consumers and merchants. Seamless availability, strong security standards, and regulatory compliance are no longer differentiators. They are now baseline expectations.

One of the largest primary care facilities of Maxicare has opened at the PNB Makati Financial Center, strengthening access to workplace healthcare in Makati.

Present during the lease signing were (from left) Maxicare Group CEO Christian Argos, Maxicare Health Services, Inc. President Josephine Lopez, PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) President and COO Karlu Tan-Say, and PHC CFO Ponciano S. Carreon Jr.

Security Bank raises customer satisfaction with faster, smarter, everyday banking

Security Bank continues to strengthen the everyday banking experience for customers, delivering significant gains in customer satisfaction in 2025 after introducing improvements that made key services faster, simpler, and easier to access. 

By listening closely to customer feedback and redesigning critical banking journeys—from account opening to credit card services and customer support—the Bank improved satisfaction scores across multiple touchpoints, reinforcing its commitment to BetterBanking: simple, fast, and personal.

Filinvest Awards Ultimate Getaways in Grand Draw

Seven lucky customers win stays across Boracay, Cebu, Tagaytay, and more as the group caps 70th year celebrations.

Muntinlupa City, Philippines — Filinvest Group marked a major milestone to culminate its 70th anniversary celebration with the successful finale of its nationwide Dream Getaways Promo, bringing together its diverse portfolio of businesses from malls and hotels to banking and real estate into one unified customer experience.

After seven months of participation across the country, the campaign concluded with a grand draw at Festival Mall, Filinvest City, where seven lucky winners each received the ultimate prize: stays across all seven Filinvest hotel brands in premier destinations including Boracay, Cebu, and Tagaytay.

Ready, Set, Jet: Turn Your 2026 Travel Resolutions into Reality at the Metrobank Travel Fair this Feb 20-22

We all have that "someday" list, especially when it comes to fantasy trips. Maybe it’s a family cruise through the Caribbean, a solo soul-searching trip in Japan, or a luxury weekend tucked away in an El Nido lagoon. 

But as February rolls around and the months start flying by on the calendar, those 2026 travel resolutions often risk becoming "next year" plans instead.

The good thing is your dreams don’t have to stay dreams forever. They can still make it out of the group chats when you head to the Glorietta Activity Center on February 20 to 22, 2026 for The Metrobank Travel Fair, which transforms the heart of Makati into a one-stop portal for the world’s best destinations.

Security Bank opens new branches nationwide to start 2026

Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s 381st branch in Angeles City, Pampanga (From left): Ferdie Uy, FVP and Region Head; Yvonne Tagle, Business Manager of Angeles-The Infinity Branch; Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman of Security Bank; Estelita Daraman, Owner of Suncoast Events & Villas, Suncoast Coffee Shop, and Ljenj Apartelle; Byron John Siy, Lessor and General Manager, AC Beautiful Island Realty Devt. Corp.; Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and CEO of Security Bank; Rafael Angeles - Executive Secretary of Mayor of Angeles; Rowena Pangilinan, FVP and Area Head; Ma. Lourdes Alejandrino, Former Mayor of Arayat, Pampanga; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Victor Jose "Chichos" Luciano, Former President and CEO of Clark International Airport; JD Yap, EVP and Business Banking Segment Head; Ronald Austria, SVP and Luzon Distribution Head

Security Bank Capital arranges Asialink Group’s PHP4 billion CGIF-backed social note issuances to expand MSME financing

Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation (Security Bank Capital), the wholly owned investment banking arm of Security Bank Corporation, successfully arranged and managed PHP4 billion in privately placed corporate note issuances for Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC), Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (GDFI) and South Asialink Finance Corp. (SAFC), collectively the Asialink Group. The notes are guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility (CGIF). 

Proceeds from the notes will be used to expand the Asialink Group’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) loan portfolios, supporting a sector that remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the Philippines, yet continues to face gaps in access to formal financing.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Makes History with First-Ever Daily Free Fan Voting, Powered by Maya

Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2026 raises the bar with the launch of its first-ever daily free fan voting experience powered by Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and Official Voting Partner of MUPh 2026.

Through the Maya app, pageant fans can conveniently cast votes for their favorite candidates and receive free votes every day, allowing them to consistently show support throughout the competition. This makes fan participation more accessible and rewarding, enabling more Filipinos to actively take part in the journey to the crown.

For the first time ever, fans will also be able to participate in live voting during the coronation night. This marks a significant step forward in making the Miss Universe Philippines experience more interactive, secure, and inclusive.

Security Bank teams up with Toyota Auto Auction to offer better access to quality pre-owned vehicles

(L-R): Yvette Go, FVP and Property Management Division Head, Security Bank; Charles Malvin Ching, SVP and Chief Administrative Officer, Security Bank; Hirofumi Umeno, Board Director, EVP and Head of Alliance Segment, Security Bank; Naoki Ando, President, Toyota Tsusho Philippines Corporation; Yoshihiro Goto; First Vice President, Toyota Motors Philippines and Toyota Auto Auction General Manager; and Chrisline Balute, Senior Manager, Security Bank

Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has partnered with Toyota Auto Auction (TAA), the auction services business of Toyota Tsusho Philippines, to optimize the sale of the Bank’s repossessed vehicles through a professional and transparent auction platform. 

Sun Life shines a light on real employee journeys with new “Employee Diaries” video series

Margie Endres, Sun Life Client

Behind every payslip is a story of ambition, sacrifice, and perseverance. For many Filipino employees, the path towards financial stability is paved with everyday struggles – enduring long commutes, managing packed schedules, and balancing multiple responsibilities – all while trying to make their salary last.

These realities take the spotlight in Sun Life Philippines’ new “Employee Diaries” video series that highlights the real-life stories of two Filipino employees as they navigate pivotal moments in their financial journeys. The series shines a light on the challenges many employees face and how a reliable Partner for Life can help them live bright now.

Zed Expands Its Credit Card to Android, Unlocking Access for Nearly 200,000 on Waitlist

Android rollout brings unlimited virtual cards, zero FX fees with no currency markup, Google Pay, and seamless bill-splitting on credit to Filipino cardholders.

Zed announced the launch of its Android app, opening access to the majority of its nearly 200,000-person waitlist and marking a major step in bringing a new kind of credit card to Filipinos across the country.

Built in Silicon Valley and licensed under the BSP, Zed is creating financial products from the ground up for the next generation of young professionals. The result is a modern credit card experience designed around how Filipinos actually live today—traveling, shopping online, and splitting expenses with friends—without the friction, hidden fees, or security risks that have long defined credit cards in the local market.

How Regular Food Delivery Users Are Rethinking the Way They Pay

For many Filipinos, ordering food has become part of the weekly rhythm. A quick lunch between meetings, a late-night craving after work, or a weekend treat shared with family—food delivery is no longer an occasional indulgence but a regular habit.

Among frequent users, how they pay is quietly changing.

Instead of chasing one-off promos or switching apps for discounts, digitally minded consumers are starting to look for payment options that work seamlessly with the routines they already have. That’s where the EastWest–foodpanda Visa Credit Card comes in—designed to fit naturally into how people order, pay, and repeat the cycle the following week.

Your Dinner Plans This Love Month, Now With 20% Cashback When You Pay With Your Maya Credit Card

February usually means more dinner plans than usual. Some are dates. Some are catch-ups. Some are just excuses to go somewhere good. And if a solid night out for you means great food, good company, and a bill that doesn’t kill the vibe, this one’s for you.

This Love Month, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, is adding a little extra value to your nights out. Credit Cardholders can enjoy 20% cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱3,500 at participating restaurants, capped at  ₱1,000, when you pay with your Maya Credit Card.

Whether it’s an intimate table for two, shared plates with friends, or finally checking out that restaurant you’ve had saved for months, the idea is simple: enjoy the night, and get something back.

3 Financial Traditions to Propel Your Wealth this Year of the Fire Horse

The Year of the Fire Horse is fast approaching, and it brings a unique and dynamic energy that encourages bold ideas and brave decisions. In Chinese culture, the horse represents speed and independence, while the fire element adds passion and a bit of volatility.

For many, 2026 promises rapid progress but like a speedy stallion, your finances will require a steady hand on the reins. Here are some ways that you can turn traditional Chinese New Year customs into modern financial wins.

Security Bank Foundation reaches 900-classroom landmark with new TLE building in Zamboanga City

SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr. (11th from left, top row) and Security Bank EVP and Branch Banking Group Head Leslie Cham (10th from left, top row) with Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHSM) faculty members and students during the classroom turnover ceremony

Marking a major milestone in its education advocacy, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a new two-storey, six-classroom Technical-Livelihood Education (TLE) building to Zamboanga City High School Main—its 900th classroom built nationwide—expanding access to hands-on learning for thousands of public school students. This reflects more than two decades of sustained investment in public school infrastructure across the country. 

A Speedy Comeback: Julia Barretto and Maris Racal Show How Fast Borrowing Can Be with Maya

If you’ve seen Julia Barretto and Maris Racal slap each other with money in their recent Maya video, you already know they make money moments unforgettable. Now, they’re back at it again. But this time, it’s about staying ready when life moves fast.

In Maya’s newest video, Julia and Maris tap into a reality familiar to many Filipinos: when you need cash, you often need it fast. Watch as they show how borrowing with Maya feels:

The visual gag is playful, but the message behind it is clear: getting a loan with Maya is fast, simple, and legit.

New Feature Alert: Billease Payments Now Available on MobileAP

AboitizPower has expanded the capabilities of its MobileAP platform with the introduction of Billease via QR Ph, offering customers across five major distribution utilities a more flexible and consumer-friendly way to settle their electricity bills.

The MobileAP app now supports Billease payments for customers served by:

Visayan Electric – covering Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan, San Fernando, Minglanilla, and Naga in Cebu

Davao Light – serving Davao City, Panabo City, and parts of Davao del Norte

Cotabato Light – covering Cotabato City and portions of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Norte

Subic EnerZone – serving SBFZ (Subic Bay Freeport Zone), Olongapo City, and nearby areas

Lima EnerZone – providing power to the LIMA Estate in Lipa and Malvar, Batangas

The Worth-It Way to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Macau

When you think of traveling to Hong Kong, it’s easy to see why Macau is often visited too—they’re just so close! With its endless shopping spots, iconic attractions, and mouthwatering delicacies, these places have become popular holiday destinations for many Filipinos - especially during Chinese New Year. 

Trips to these cities can feel pricey, especially if you’re traveling with family. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! There are plenty of cool spots and tasty eats in both cities where you can score great value without sacrificing the experience. 

Filinvest Group Earns Multiple Awards in 2025, Shaped by 70 Years of Enabling Dreams

From boardrooms to communities, from the spaces people live and work in, to the services they rely on every day, the Filinvest Group’s work continues to be recognized—reflecting the collective strength of its businesses and the shared values that guide them.

With businesses spanning real estate, banking, power and utilities, hospitality, sugar milling and infrastructure, the Group pursues sustainable growth across its portfolio while creating long-term value for stakeholders.

Over the past year, the Filinvest Group earned over a hundred local and international awards for good corporate governance, sustainability, and excellence in people, products, and services.

Security Bank joins DTI, regional partners to strengthen cross-border startup collaboration

(From left) Palida Artispong, Acting Managing Director, Krungsri Finnovate Co., Ltd.; John Cary L. Ong, Executive Vice President and Wholesale Banking Segment Head, Security Bank Corporation;  Hirofumi Umeno, Board Director, Executive Vice President and Alliance Segment Head, Security Bank Corporation; Nylah Rizza Bautista, Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head, Department of Trade and Industry-Competitiveness and Innovation Group; Bunsei Okubo, First Executive Vice President and Japanese Corporate Banking Head, Bank of Ayudhya Public Co., Ltd.; Masami Yoshitake, Managing Director and Country Head – Philippines, MUFG Bank Ltd.; and Atsushi Ishihara, Deputy CEO, MUFG Innovation Partners Co., Ltd., at the MOU signing held at Security Bank Centre in Makati City

Sun Life Philippines Incoming CEO Meets with Insurance Commissioner to Advance Financial Literacy, Market Expansion, and Regulatory Modernization

JJ Moreno, President of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and Incoming CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, and Atty. Reynaldo Regalado, Insurance Commissioner

JJ Moreno, President of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and incoming CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, met with Insurance Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo Regalado to discuss their shared priorities aimed at strengthening the country’s insurance landscape. 

The discussion highlighted the critical need to elevate financial literacy across all sectors of the Philippine society, and recognized education as a key driver of long-term financial resilience. Both leaders emphasized the role of digital platforms in delivering relevant, accessible, and scalable financial education to Filipinos nationwide. 

SM Supermalls spotlights MSME growth this February with long standing partners DTI, Philstar, and Go Negosyo

February is giving MSMEs their well-deserved main-stage moment — and SM Supermalls is here for it.  Together with long-time strategic partners — Department of Trade and Industry, Philstar Media Group,  and Go Negosyo — SM Supermalls continues to open doors for Filipino entrepreneurs through  mentorship, market access, and purpose-driven platforms that help businesses grow with confidence. 

These partnerships, built through years of collaboration, share one mission: empower MSMEs to scale  sustainably, compete strongly, and thrive in an evolving economy. This February, that shared commitment  comes alive through a lineup of impactful initiatives happening across SM malls. 

PNB Holdings and CBRE Drive Tenant Momentum Along a Changing Ayala Avenue

PNB Makati Center’s prime retail spaces along Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) continues to see strong tenant growth at PNB Makati Center, as Ayala Avenue evolves into a more lifestyle-driven, experience-oriented central business district. With 94% occupancy, the property is capturing sustained interest from corporate, wellness, and lifestyle brands seeking strategic, high-value locations in the corridor.

As part of this momentum, BeFit and Maxicare are set to open at PNB Makati Center, reinforcing the district’s rising appeal to wellness-focused and people-centered businesses. Their entry underscores the growing demand for accessible, health-oriented amenities and integrated services within modern workplace environments.

Sun Life Grepa Expands its Presence in Cebu with New Office

The event was graced by key leaders including Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim (center), Agency Channel Head Sandy J. Bustos (2nd from right) together with Cebu Regional Manager Claudette Labendia, Cluster Head Kat Tan Pho (1st and 2nd from left) and Senior Agency Manager Robert Tiu (1st from right).

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading insurers, recently marked the relocation of its Cebu branch with a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony.

The event was attended by key company leaders led by Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim, together with Agency Channel Head Sandy J. Bustos, Cebu Regional Manager Claudette Labendia, Cluster Heat Kat Tan Pho, and Senior Agency Manager Robert Tiu.

Security Bank wins Platinum at the 61st Anvil Awards

Security Bank Foundation also earns two Silver Anvils for education and partnership programs

Security Bank’s 2024 Integrated Report earned the Platinum Anvil, the highest award for PR Tools, at the 61st Anvil Awards on January 28, 2026. Pictured (L-R): Ana Ruby Pista, APR, Chair of the 61st Anvil Awards; Frances Arjohn Belen, AVP and Sustainability Impact and Analytics Manager, Security Bank; Christopher Lea, Senior Communications Manager, Security Bank; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno; and Maria Luisa Paragas-Sebastian, APR

UnionBank and GMG Productions Unveil Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular in Manila

Do you hear Manila sing?

UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank), in partnership with GMG Productions, continues to deliver unique world-class experiences to its customers by bringing Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular, a globally acclaimed staging of the iconic musical in a reimagined concert format. 

As the official sponsor of Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular, UnionBank was part of the Gala Night celebration recently at The Theater at Solaire. The event was graced by international Broadway icon and Tony Awardee, Lea Salonga, alongside the exceptional Rachelle Ann Go and Red Concepcion. Salonga and Concepcion portray the Thénardier couple, while Go reprises her acclaimed West End role as Fantine. 

Security Bank partners with Philippine Retirement Authority to offer retirees priority banking privileges and special Time Deposit rates

Pictured (L-R): Eric Buensuceso, FVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Region Head, Security Bank; Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head, Security Bank; Roberto Z. Zozobrado, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Philippine Retirement Authority; and Virna Liza Alamar, FVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Area Head, Security Bank

Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has formalized a partnership with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to provide foreign and returning Filipino retirees applying for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) with priority banking privileges and access to a special Time Deposit rate—delivering a more seamless and secure banking experience aligned with the Bank’s BetterBanking commitment.

Bay Area’s New Creative and Cultural Hub Boosts PNB Financial Center’s Event Venues

Few venues in Metro Manila carry the same gravitas and enduring presence as the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City. Known for its striking architecture and long-standing heritage, the property has become a landmark woven into the narrative of the country’s financial and business landscape. Today, the area surrounding the property is gaining renewed vibrancy, led by the opening of Likhang Filipino, which now hosts year-round exhibitions, artisan showcases, and cultural experiences that attract a steady flow of visitors, creatives, and businesses into the district. This steady rise in activity enhances the PNB Financial Center’s appeal as a destination for large-scale gatherings.