AI, Fintech Innovation Drive Inclusion in Manila

Artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital inclusion dominated the agenda at the 2025 AI Fintech Forum in Manila, where leading voices in finance and technology gathered to explore the future of financial services in the digital age.

Held March 27 at the Grand Hyatt in Bonifacio Global City, the third edition of Surfin’s AI Fintech Forum (SAFF) brought together policymakers, fintech executives and digital economists to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping the financial ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

“With AI becoming a critical component for businesses across industries, including fintech, SAFF 2025 gathers industry leaders to tackle critical challenges such as data localization, privacy and cybercrime,” said Dr. Yanan Wu, CEO and chairman of Surfin Group.

“We aim for this event to serve as a platform to discuss how we can help to improve the fintech landscape in safeguarding consumer rights while enhancing customer experiences,” he added.

Organized by Surfin and co-hosted by Masaganang Buhay Finance Philippines Corp. (MBFPC), the one-day conference focused on integrating AI tools into digital lending, credit scoring and customer experience platforms while addressing compliance and ethical concerns.

Expanding Access to Financial Services with AI

The Philippines fintech industry has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by a surge in digitalization, widespread smartphone use and government support. More banks are expanding their digital services, while the number of fintech startups continues to rise.

But challenges to financial inclusion remain. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 34.3 million Filipinos remained unbanked as of 2021.

Dr. Wu underscored the urgent need for inclusive, technology-driven solutions to close this gap. “Many young Filipinos lack access to basic banking, credit and affordable remittance options. Technology holds the key to scaling these services and making them truly inclusive,” he said.

Surfin, a Singapore-based fintech platform focused on underserved middle-income markets, is working to address this gap by leveraging AI. The platform currently serves 60 million users across 10 markets and has processed over $3 billion in transactions.

One of Surfin’s key initiatives is the Surfin Score, a proprietary AI-powered credit rating system that provides financing opportunities for individuals with limited or no formal banking history. “Everyone deserves a credit score, whether they’re wealthy or just beginning to build their financial future,” Wu noted.

Aside from credit scoring, Surfin offers microcredit products designed to meet the everyday needs of users, delivering accessible and user-friendly financial services.

The company is also enhancing its remittance and payment services to better serve overseas Filipino workers. “Millions of migrant workers support families back home. We’re working to make that experience smoother and more secure,” he added.

As the fintech industry evolves, Surfin is demonstrating that AI and data analytics can be successfully utilized to create more efficient and effective inclusive financial systems.

“Our bottom line is to use AI to understand our customers and analyze their behavior. From there, we can personalize Surfin’s products,” Wu said. “Through technology, we can make sure that financial services reach those who need them most.”

Navigating Global Shifts

Meanwhile, SAFF 2025 also featured a keynote address by Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Spence, who emphasized the transformative potential of fintech in emerging markets.

Panel discussions at SAFF revolved around timely issues including the potential implications of a second Trump presidency on Asian markets, data-driven strategies for financial inclusion and the importance of cross-border fintech collaboration.

Notable panelists included Dr. John A. Quelch of Duke Kunshan University, Andrew Gan of the Maharlika Investment Corporation, Lito Villanueva of RCBC, Christopher M. Paz of the National Bureau of Investigation, Mila Bedrenets of Tonik Bank and Dr. Wang Lizong of the Guangdong National People’s Congress.

Industry leaders and notable VCs such as Yinglan Tan of Insignia Ventures, Roel Refran of the Philippine Stock Exchange, John Fennell of MDX Markets, Jianfeng Lu of WIZ.AI and Jack Tan of Fonterra also shared insights on building a resilient and inclusive fintech ecosystem.

The discussions were moderated by Bruce McGuire of the Greenwich Economic Forum, Felix Davidson, Board Director of Surfin Group and financial commentator Peter Lewis.