Lito Villanueva

Meet Lito Villanueva, the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer for Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). An esteemed columnist and thought leader in the fintech industry, Lito has been at the forefront of RCBC’s award-winning digital transformation journey, revolutionising financial inclusion through innovative solutions and empathy-driven initiatives.

Lito’s vision for financial inclusion drives RCBC’s transformational efforts, empowering millions of underserved and unbanked Filipinos. Under his leadership, RCBC launched the groundbreaking RCBC DiskarTech, a Tagalog-English and Cebuano super app that offers a plethora of services, including a high-interest e-wallet, telemedicine plans, loans, insurance, and more. By eradicating language barriers and simplifying account opening, DiskarTech has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of banked Filipinos from 29% in 2019 to an impressive 56% in 2021.

Lito’s commitment to bringing banking to the people led to the creation of RCBC’s B2BC for MSMEs bank-agnostic terminal ATM Go. Positioned strategically in far-flung regions, this community-based handheld POS ATM device and last-mile payments network cater to 100% of the Philippine provinces, bridging the gap between underserved communities and financial services.

Moreover, RCBC’s MoneyBela Barangay Banking, a seamless fusion of physical and digital experiences, brings basic financial services to over 42,000 barangays (communities) in the country. Sustainable e-tricycles and BES Agents have empowered rural towns and increased financial awareness among unbanked Filipinos.

Lito’s contributions to the fintech industry have not gone unnoticed. With over 25 years of experience, he has earned more than 80 global and regional awards, including being named one of the Top 100 FinTech Leaders in Asia and the 2021 Chief Innovation Officer of the Year by The Banker.

Since its establishment in 1960, RCBC has been a trailblazer in the banking industry. The first commercial bank to establish its head office in Rizal province, RCBC expanded its international network through strategic partnerships in America, Japan, Europe, and Hong Kong. The bank’s commitment to quality integrated financial services and responsible corporate citizenship has made it a trusted and admired financial services group.

Lito’s vision aligns with RCBC’s mission—to be the most admired and trusted profitable financial services group, adapting to customers’ changing needs and empowering every Filipino worldwide. With innovative products, excellent service, and a dedicated team, RCBC continues to pave the way for a digitally inclusive future.