MariBank has received an official digital banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), allowing it to operate as a full-fledged digital bank and expanding its ability to serve more Filipinos through online banking services.
The approval changes MariBank’s regulatory classification from a rural bank to a digital bank under BSP rules. Before receiving the license, MariBank already offered banking services through a digital-first model while operating under a rural bank license.
The move comes as digital banking continues to gain traction in the Philippines, where more consumers are using mobile apps for savings, payments, and fund transfers. BSP has promoted digital financial services to improve financial inclusion, especially for Filipinos who have limited access to traditional bank branches.
Existing MariBank customers will not experience any changes to their accounts or services. The bank remains supervised by the BSP, while deposits of up to P1 million continue to be insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC). Customers do not need to take any action following the reclassification.
“MariBank has been an early supporter of the Bangko Sentral’s digital payments agenda, having been among the first financial institutions to offer free fund transfers,” said Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan. “Now, as a fully operational digital bank, I am confident that MariBank will deliver an even stronger value proposition — driving innovation and competition while benefiting both consumers and the broader banking industry.”
The license also strengthens competition in the country’s growing digital banking sector, where banks are investing in mobile-first services, lower transaction costs, and digital payments to attract more customers.
“This license reflects the trust our customers have placed in us from the very start,” said Siew Ghee Kung Lim, president of MariBank Philippines. “Our goal has always been to build a bank that actually works for Filipinos by being simple, reliable, and rewarding. That doesn’t change. The reclassification only positions MariBank to continue innovating and reach more Filipinos over time.”