Manila Series 2025

Empowering Communities with Inclusive Finance

Overview

The 5th Annual Conference and Exhibition of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series is a premier event that brings together global leaders in banking, FinTech, and policymaking to explore the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance. Focused on innovation, sustainability, and ethical banking, the conference will delve into cutting-edge topics such as Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), AI-driven personalization, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), quantum computing, open banking APIs, and sustainable finance. Through expert panels, fireside chats, and interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into emerging technologies and actionable strategies to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive financial inclusion. With a strong emphasis on responsible innovation and collaborative partnerships, this gathering offers a unique platform to connect with industry pioneers, policymakers, and peers, equipping attendees to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape and seize new opportunities.

Registration

08.00 AM - 09.30 AM

5th Edition of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series

Panel Discussion

09.30 AM - 10.15 AM

Beyond Banking: Exploring the Potential of BaaS in the AI Era

  • Discuss how Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) enables the integration of financial services into non-financial platforms, creating seamless user experiences and new revenue streams.
  • Analyze the role of BaaS in democratizing financial services by reducing barriers such as geographic location and lack of traditional banking infrastructure.

Moderator

Dwitil Mahimkar

Senior Vice President and Regional Product Manager, Liquidity & Investment Product Management, Global Payment Solutions, Asia Pacific, HSBC, Hong Kong SAR

Panelist

Francis Chiu

First Vice President and Head Information Technology Group, BDO Unibank, Philippines

Gilbert Trinchera

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG, Philippines

Opening Remarks

10.15 PM - 10.30 AM

Opening Remarks

Speaker

Selva Nagappan

Organising Chairman of BankTech Asia 2025 Manila Series​

Keynote Address

10.30 AM - 11.00 AM

Philippines Digital Finance: The Billion Dollar Market Through Digital Lending

  • Explore the rise of digital banking and its impact on the booming digital lending market, projected to surpass $1 billion USD.
  • Showcasing successful digital banking and lending collaborations that drive financial inclusion, empowering SMEs and underserved communities with accessible and user-friendly solutions.

Speaker

Chuchi G. Fonacier

Deputy Governor, Financial Supervision Sector, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippines

Break

11.00 AM - 11.30 AM

Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout

Presentation

11.30 AM - 12.15 PM

Guaranteeing Access to Cash: How ATM Pooling and Outsourcing is Helping in the Digital Transformation of the Banks

Speaker

Anne Richard Schaafsma

Head of Business Development (Global), ATM Managed Services, Brink’s Inc., Netherlands

Presentation

12.15 PM - 12.45 PM

Building a Data-Driven, Digital-First Debt Collection Operation

Speaker

Tamás Erni

Managing Partner, Loxon Solutions, Hungary

Break

12.45 PM - 02.00 PM

Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout

Panel Discussion

02.00 PM - 02.45 PM

Cybersecurity and Trust: Preserving Integrity in the Race for BankTech Digital Dominance

  • Discussing the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard
    sensitive information amidst rapid technological growth.
  • Exploring the role of transparency in fostering consumer trust, particularly when deploying AI and
    other advanced technologies.

Moderator

Philip Casanova

Consulting Principal, Cybersecurity, SGV & Co., Philippines

Panelist

Jed Kenley Chua

Chief Information Security Officer, Asia United Bank, Philippines

Rei Nikolai Magnaye

Chief Information Security Officer, Equicom Savings Bank, Philippines

Presentation

02.45 PM - 03.15 PM

LMNTRIX at BankTech Asia - Securing the Future of Finance Across Asia

Speaker

Ben Kingshott

Principal Architect, LMNTRIX, Australia

Panel Discussion

03.15 PM - 04.00 PM

Panel Discussion: Evolving Governance with Blockchain for Unbreakable Security and Resilience

  • Explore how blockchain enhances transparency and trust by enabling real-time transaction verification among stakeholders without intermediaries.
  • Analyze the role of blockchain in improving the resilience of financial systems by mitigating single points of failure and enabling seamless cross-border transactions.

Moderator

Philip Casanova

Consulting Principal, Cybersecurity, SGV & Co., Philippines

Panelist

Marlon Sorongon

Chief Information Security Officer, Maybank, Philippines

Carlos Tengkiat

Chief Information Security Officer, RCBC, Philippines

Presentation

04.00 PM - 04.30 PM

Synthetic Deception: Battling Deepfake Heist and E-Scams in Banking Cybercrime

  • Uncover how deepfakes and AI scams are used in high-trust banking fraud.
  • Explore law enforcement tactics to detect and stop digital heists.

Speaker

Jay Guillermo

Chief, Cyber Response Unit PNP ACG, Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, Philippines

Registration

08.00 AM - 09.30 AM

5th Edition of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series

Panel Discussion

09.30 AM - 10.15 AM

Navigating IT Financial Management in the Age of Emerging Technologies

  • Emerging technologies present new opportunities for cost optimization, operational efficiency, and smarter financial planning.
  • Organizations must navigate integration complexities and adapt strategically to fully leverage these advancements.

Moderator

Ardee Jireh Adrales

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG, Philippines

Panelist

Kenneth Catugas

Head of IT, ING, Philippines

Mary Celina Louies Esteva

Head of Information Technology Governance, UnionDigital Bank, Philippines

Panel Discussion

10.15 AM - 11.00 AM

Bridging the Digital Divide: Challenges and Solutions for Rural Banks in the Philippines

  • Discuss the critical need for building reliable digital infrastructure in rural Philippines, including internet connectivity, mobile network expansion, and secure data storage solutions.
  • Highlight the role of financial literacy and user-friendly banking platforms in driving inclusivity and adoption of digital financial services in rural areas.

Moderator

Rafael Francisco Amparo

Executive Director, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Philippines

Panelist

Ronaldo Recto

President, Rural Bank San Antonio, Philippines

Franco Nazareno

Chief Technology Officer, OwnBank, Philippines

Break

11.00 AM - 11.30 AM

Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout

Panel Discussion

11.30 AM - 12.15 PM

Bridging the Talent Gap: Cultivating Future-Ready Roles for Digital Banking Transformation

  • Redesigning job roles to align with the demands of AI, Gen AI, cybersecurity, and embedded finance, fostering hybrid capabilities that merge technological acumen with financial insight.
  • Implementing strategies to reskill and upskill existing talent while attracting next-gen professionals, balancing internal development with external recruitment in a competitive digital landscape.

Moderator

Ardee Jireh Adrales

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG, Philippines

Panelist

Noel Gamboa

Managing Director, CapMan Consulting, Philippines

Yu Ming Chin

Executive Director, Viventis Search Asia, Philippines

Annie Caw

Chief Human Resources Officer, CIMB Philippines, Philippines

Presentation

12.15 PM - 12.45 PM

AI with Principles: Driving Transparent and Inclusive Financial Services

  • Explore how principled AI can bridge the gap for underserved populations by enabling access to financial services, such as microloans and digital banking, through inclusive algorithms
  • Examine real-world examples of AI solutions designed to expand access to financial services for marginalized communities while maintaining fairness and avoiding discriminatory practices.

Speaker

Albert Tinio

Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, GoTyme Bank, Philippines

Break

12.45 PM - 02.00 AM

Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout

Presentation

02.00 PM - 02.30 PM

Riding the Wave: The Surge in Digital Payment Streams in the Philippines

  • Explore the key drivers of digital payment adoption, from e-commerce growth to government initiatives, and their impact on financial inclusion.
  • Discover how FinTech innovations are shaping the future of digital payments, fostering competition, and creating opportunities for small businesses and the informal sector.

Speaker

Lawrence Ferrer

Board Trustee, FinTech Alliance PH, Philippines

Panel Discussion

02.30 PM - 03.15 PM

The Power of Embedded Finance: Transforming Banking in the Digital Age of Connected Ecosystems

  • Navigate the cutting edge of embedded finance, a disruptive innovation seamlessly integrating financial services into non-financial platforms.
  • Explore the strategic advantages of embedding banking functionalities within everyday experiences, driving growth and innovation within the financial sector.

Moderator

Albert Tinio

Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, GoTyme Bank, Philippines

Panelist

Dwitil Mahimkar

Senior Vice President and Regional Product Manager, Liquidity and Investment Product Management, Global Payment Solutions, Asia Pacific, HSBC, Hong Kong SAR

Franco Nazareno

Chief Technology Officer, OwnBank, Philippines

Presentation

03.30 PM - 03.45 PM

Bridging Borders and Becoming Future Fit: Innovation in Liquidity Management

  • Digital tools enhance real-time visibility and forecasting, helping treasurers optimize global liquidity and funding decisions.
  • Emerging technologies empower users with greater financial control, fueling innovation and competition in the financial ecosystem.

Speaker

Dwitil Mahimkar

Senior Vice President and Regional Product Manager, Liquidity and Investment Product Management, Global Payment Solutions, Asia Pacific, HSBC, Hong Kong SAR

Panel Discussion

03.45 PM - 04.30 PM

Reactive to Proactive: AI for Predictive Risk Management and Optimized Banking Operations

  • Explore how AI-powered predictive analytics can identify potential risks and opportunities early on, enabling banks to take proactive measures and make data-driven decisions.
  • Discuss the various applications of AI in streamlining banking operations, such as automating routine tasks, improving customer service, and enhancing fraud detection.

Moderator

Eugene Jerome Tan

Director, Risk Services, PwC, Philippines

Panelist

Luiza Karolina Rosinska

Chief Risk Officer, CIMB Philippines, Philippines

Barani Sundaram

Chief Technology Officer and Head of Technology Transformation, East West Banking Corporation, Philippines