TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva was named Digital Leader of the Year at the PhilSec Awards 2026, recognizing his contributions to advancing secure, inclusive, and innovative digital banking in the Philippines.
The award was presented during the PhilSec Awards 2026. The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership in cybersecurity, digital innovation, and digital resilience across both the public and private sectors.
Villanueva, who also serves as the founding chairman of FinTech Alliance.PH, was recognized for championing initiatives that strengthen digital financial services while promoting cybersecurity, financial inclusion, and cross-sector collaboration.
Under his leadership, RCBC has expanded its digital banking ecosystem through RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go, introducing several industry-first initiatives designed to broaden access to financial services. These include the MySSS Card powered by RCBC DiskarTech in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippines’ first U.S. Virtual Account for Filipinos without a U.S. address or residency through RCBC Pulz, and Southeast Asia’s first manual cash withdrawal service through RCBC ATM Go for international and domestic tourists. RCBC is the first in Asia to be recognized as Euromoney’ Best Bank for Digital for six consecutive years, among over 400 global and regional accolades received in seven years.
Accepting the award, Villanueva dedicated the recognition to the broader fintech community, emphasizing that digital innovation must always be anchored on public trust and meaningful impact.
“I accept this recognition on behalf of the many innovators, financial institutions, regulators, and industry partners who continue to work together in building a more secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered Philippines. This recognition inspires us to continue developing solutions that address the everyday needs of Filipinos while strengthening trust in digital finance,” Villanueva said.
He added that cybersecurity, innovation, and financial inclusion must continue to evolve together as the country’s digital economy expands.
“As digital technologies continue to reshape financial services, our responsibility is not only to innovate but also to ensure that every innovation is secure, responsible, and accessible to every Filipino. Technology creates its greatest impact when it improves lives and empowers communities,” he added.
Lito Villanueva together with this year’s PhilSec’s awardees.
Apart from leading RCBC’s digital transformation initiatives, Villanueva continues to work closely with regulators, financial institutions, technology companies, and government agencies through FinTech Alliance.PH to advance cybersecurity, digital innovation, and financial inclusion across the Philippines.
