Israel backs PH fintech growth, ASEAN Tech Summit
Known globally as the “Startup Nation” for its leadership in innovation, cybersecurity, and financial technology, Israel is strengthening its partnership with the Philippines to support the country’s expanding fintech sector and digital transformation agenda.
The Embassy of Israel reaffirmed its commitment during a meeting with leaders of FinTech Alliance.PH and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), highlighting opportunities to deepen cooperation in financial technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh and Deputy Chief of Mission Ariel Seidman met with Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC and founding chairman of FinTech Alliance.PH, to discuss areas of collaboration that could help accelerate financial inclusion and digital economic growth in the Philippines.
The engagement underscores growing international confidence in the Philippines’ digital economy as it pushes for broader financial inclusion and greater adoption of digital technologies.
Villanueva said both sides share a common vision of using innovation and technology to create a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.
The Philippine fintech industry continues to pursue its 80×80 Agenda, which aims to bring 80% of adult Filipinos into the formal financial system while digitalizing 80% of retail payments by 2028.
“On behalf of FinTech Alliance.PH and RCBC, I would like to thank Ambassador Dana Kursh and the Embassy of Israel for their continued support of the Philippine fintech industry. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration and advancing shared goals in innovation, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and digital transformation,” Villanueva said.
Kursh likewise expressed optimism over expanding bilateral cooperation.
“I was delighted to discuss the growing partnership between Israel and the Philippines and the opportunities ahead as we look toward ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026,” she said.
Also joining the Israeli delegation were Ariel Seidman, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Israel, and Ofek Venecianer, Economic Counselor and Head of the Israel Economic and Trade Mission to the Philippines.
The Israeli delegation also reiterated its support for the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026, which is expected to gather about 4,000 delegates from 30 countries to discuss emerging technologies, digital finance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the evolving opportunities shaping Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
FinTech Alliance.PH said collaboration with global innovation leaders such as Israel is vital in accelerating technology adoption, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing the Philippines’ ambition of becoming a digitally empowered and financially inclusive economy.
No comments: