The Asian Bankers Association (ABA) would like to cordially invite ABA bank members and friends from outside of the Philippines to participate in this year’s Short-Term Visiting Program (STVP) sponsored by ABA and hosted by Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) in RCBC Plaza, Makati City, Philippines on June 14-15, 2023.

 

PROPOSED PROGRAM THEME

The 2023 STVP will focus on the theme of “Financial Inclusion”, specifically the Philippines and RCBC’s experience in implementing a world-class and award-winning financial inclusion strategy.

The theme and topic were chosen by ABA after noting how the Philippines has made a lot of headway in pursuing its financial inclusion strategy dating back in 2015 when it formally launched a national strategy.

In 2020, the Philippines’ vigorous efforts received recognition from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research arm of The Economist Group as one of the global leaders in financial inclusion, given a rank of 8th worldwide, and 2nd in Asia.

This recognition rated countries around the world based on five (5) aspects, namely: government and policy, stability and integrity, products and outlets, consumer protection, and infrastructure.

The EIU study also recognized on how the Philippines’ pursued initiatives under financial inclusion that helped tremendously in easing the negative impact of COVID19 pandemic.

With a robust and advanced enabling environment provided by the Central Bank of the Philippines, RCBC wholeheartedly embraced financial inclusion as one of its key differentiation from the other big players in the financial industry sector.

Its financial inclusion initiatives such as Diskartech and ATM GO implemented by the Digital Enterprise and Innovation Group earned accolades from several award-giving bodies, locally and internationally.

Led by its forward-looking and trailblazing President & CEO and currently ABA Chairman Eugene S. Acevedo, RCBC has successfully embedded in its DNA why embracing financial inclusion is critical not only to the growth of the bank but more importantly for the welfare and development of the country especially those belonging to the unbanked and underserved, marginalized and vulnerable sectors.

With financial inclusion as the theme, the 2023 STVP aims to provide participants the opportunity to have first-hand knowledge on:

(1) How enabling regulatory environment encourages financial institutions in tapping new markets and opportunities found at the base of the pyramid,

(2) Enhance and upgrade knowledge and skills sets on how to pursue the market segments at the base of the pyramid,

(3) Gain first-hand knowledge of the operations, systems and work procedures of the host bank’s business units in charge of implementing its financial inclusion strategy, and

(4) Interact with partners on the ground on how financial inclusion impacts the lives of the consumers/clients.

 

The two-day STVP is also envisioned as an opportunity for participants to exchange views and experiences on the significance of financial inclusion in their respective countries, the opportunities and challenges being encountered, and what ABA can do to support its members to further promote its advancement in the Asian region.

 

TENTATIVE AGENDA

 

PARTICIPATION FEE

There is NO participation fee for ABA member.

Non-members will be charged US$200 per participant.

All participants shall cover their airfare and hotel accommodation.

This STVP is open only to applicants from outside the Philippines.

 

DEADLINE: JUNE 9, 2023

 

PROPOSED VENUE & ACCOMMODATION

The workshop will be held at the RCBC headquarters in Makati City, Philippines. We will shortly be sending you information on the nearby hotel/s where participants may stay as recommended by RCBC.

We encourage your bank to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about financial inclusion from RCBC and from other invited experts.

To join the program, participants must complete the following Google Form HERE. For further details write to aba@aba.org.tw.