The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Maya are rolling out a program aimed at helping nearly 1.9 million Filipino digital workers access credit cards, savings accounts, and other formal banking services.
The initiative comes as Maya joins IBPAP, marking closer ties between the IT-BPM industry and the digital financial services sector.
The Philippines’ IT-BPM sector accounts for about 8% of gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes more than $40 billion annually. It employs a largely young, digitally savvy workforce, with many workers under 35, making them one of the country’s most economically active groups.
Despite steady income and familiarity with digital tools, many workers still struggle to access formal credit. Limited credit history and traditional bank requirements often prevent them from qualifying for credit cards and structured loans.
“Millions of Filipino digital workers support customers around the world in managing their financial transactions every day,” said Orlando B. Vea, founder and CEO of Maya Group. “Yet many of these same workers have historically had limited access to formal financial tools themselves. When we equip digital workers with savings tools and responsibly structured credit, we enable them to build real financial footprints, opening doors to housing, mobility, insurance, and long-term asset building.”
The program focuses on responsible lending, offering savings products and carefully assessed credit cards to qualified workers. It aims to help users build credit histories and avoid high-interest informal loans.
“Financial resilience is directly linked to workforce stability and industry competitiveness,” said Jack Madrid, president of IBPAP. “By strengthening access to structured financial tools, we support retention, engagement, and long-term economic mobility.”
The partnership will also explore improvements in payroll, disbursement, and reimbursement systems to support IT-BPM firms operating 24/7, while aligning with financial inclusion goals backed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.