PASAY CITY, Philippines — Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovations and inclusion officer of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), was named “Digital Banking Champion of the Year” at the World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) Philippines 2026 Awards, held on August 26 at the Manila Marriott, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Villanueva received the recognition for his leadership in advancing RCBC’s digital banking and financial inclusion agenda, particularly through the bank’s flagship solutions: RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go.
Among the digital initiatives rolled out under his leadership in 2025 were the MySSS Card powered by RCBC DiskarTech in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), the expansion of RCBC ATM Go’s Agency Banking initiative across all 82 provinces, and the launch of the country’s first U.S. Virtual Account through RCBC Pulz in partnership with Meridian.
Villanueva said the recognition reflects the broader impact of digital innovation when it translates into greater access and opportunities for Filipinos.
“The greatest recognition is not being celebrated for the change we have made. It is knowing that, because of that change, more lives now have a chance to move forward,” Villanueva said.
“This award belongs to the teams, partners, and communities we serve — together, we keep building a more inclusive financial future,” he added.
The award was presented during the second day of WFIS Philippines 2026, which brought together more than 600 participants from across the country’s financial services and digital technology sectors. The awards recognize industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries for contributions to digital transformation and financial inclusion.
WFIS said the 2026 awards were evaluated by a jury comprising leaders from organizations including Deloitte Philippines, KPMG, and the Credit Card Association of the Philippines, with winners assessed based on performance and industry impact.
The recognition adds to RCBC’s growing list of regional and global accolades for its digital banking initiatives, reinforcing the bank’s position as a leading force in the country’s digital financial transformation.
