BPI Direct BanKo Inc., a savings bank and the microfinance arm of Bank of the Philippine Islands, has partnered with ACI Worldwide to modernize its payments infrastructure as it prepares for higher transaction volumes and increased use of digital channels.
BanKo will implement ACI’s issuing and acquiring platform, which will process transactions across ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and mobile channels. The platform is designed to support real-time payments while meeting regulatory requirements.
“At BanKo, we use technology to improve the way banking works for Filipinos. By advancing digital payment solutions with our customers and communities in mind, we aim to make financial services more accessible and empowering for Filipinos nationwide,” said Rod Mabiasen, president of BanKo. “Our switching network is one of the most important touchpoints for our customers. This partnership with ACI is crucial in building a reliable, future-ready payments system.”
The new system will replace BanKo’s existing transaction switch, which routes and authorizes payments. The bank said the upgrade will help it better manage growing transaction volumes and respond to changing customer expectations. The platform allows financial institutions to introduce new services and update features without overhauling their entire payments setup.
ACI’s software processes transactions in real time and supports multiple payment channels through a single system. Its modular design gives banks flexibility to expand services as needed, while built-in security tools help protect transactions and customer data.
“With BanKo’s adoption, we’re bringing proven global technology to the Philippines that translates to greater reliability, convenience, and choice in every transaction for Filipino consumers,” said Leslie Choo, SVP and managing director, APAC at ACI Worldwide.
Choo added that ACI supports BanKo’s goal of widening access to financial services and strengthening the country’s payments ecosystem.
BanKo said the new payments platform is expected to go live by the end of the first quarter of 2026.