Visa, a global payments processor, and CIBI Information, Inc. (CIBI), a credit reporting agency, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore and pilot data-driven credit solutions for underserved Filipinos, particularly those with limited credit histories.
The partnership combines Visa’s global payments technology and Credit Lab expertise with CIBI’s role as the Philippines’ pioneering credit bureau. Credit Lab is Visa’s solution for fraud detection and credit decisioning that uses alternative data sources such as telco, utilities, device, and behavioral consumer data.
“Access to credit must also come with empowerment,” said Pia Arellano, president and CEO of CIBI Information Inc. “Today, we do not simply sign an agreement, we affirm our shared responsibility to use data wisely, to enable inclusion, and to build a stronger financial future for the Philippines.”
The collaboration aims to address the challenges faced by gig workers, BPO employees, and overseas Filipino workers who often have limited credit histories. It also responds to the need of banks, digital lenders, and card issuers to expand credit responsibly while managing risk using better data and insights.
Visa and CIBI will work together to help issuers approve credit more confidently for thin-file consumers through enhanced data and models. The partnership also seeks to give lenders clearer visibility into small and medium-sized enterprises, allowing for more accurate and scalable lending decisions. Also, deeper market intelligence is expected to help financial institutions identify new customer segments, spot growth opportunities, and refine their credit strategies.
“Credit scoring has long been a key gap in our industry, with many Filipinos remaining ‘thin-file’ despite their active participation in the economy,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager of Visa Philippines. “Through this partnership, we look forward to complementing Visa’s Credit Lab with CIBI’s leadership as a credit bureau to innovate solutions that expand access to credit and set new industry benchmarks. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to inclusive growth and strengthening the digital economy.”
Over the next 12 months, Visa and CIBI plan to explore new credit use cases, develop insights on emerging credit behaviors, and support financial literacy initiatives nationwide.
“Our success will ultimately be measured by how many Filipinos we are able to include, securely, responsibly, and sustainably,” Arellano said.