The Philippines’ leading digital bank, Maya is redefining the banking landscape with its data-driven, digital-first approach. By the end of 2024, the fintech leader recorded PHP39 billion in deposits and disbursed PHP68 billion in loans, bringing its total loan disbursements since 2022 to PHP92 billion. The platform now serves 5.4 million bank customers, demonstrating the effectiveness of its integrated payments and banking strategy.
A Digital-First Approach to Banking
Unlike traditional banks that rely on physical branches, Maya has built a scalable, technology-driven banking model that seamlessly integrates financial services into everyday transactions. By leveraging AI-powered insights, the platform provides personalized financial solutions that make banking more accessible and efficient, particularly in underserved areas.
This approach has driven strong adoption in regional areas, where 70% of Maya’s customers now reside. The growth in lending and savings outside Metro Manila has outpaced the capital, highlighting the platform’s ability to expand financial inclusion.
“Banking should be simple and empowering. By merging payments and banking on one delightful digital experience, we’re enabling more Filipinos to save, borrow, and grow their money with ease,” according to Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder.
Payments-Driven Lending Model Spurs Growth
Maya’s key differentiator is its ability to convert payment activity into a gateway for financial services. By analyzing transaction data, the platform can assess creditworthiness and extend loans without requiring collateral or excessive paperwork. Customers also benefit from higher savings interest rates based on their payment activity and app engagement.
This strategy has fueled significant gains, with active borrowers for Maya Easy Credit increasing 82% year-on-year outside Metro Manila, compared to 64% in the capital. Regional deposit balances have also surged 67%, now accounting for more than half of Maya’s total deposit growth.
Empowering the Underserved Through Innovation
The bank’s success is driven by its focus on financial inclusion. The platform caters to young, tech-savvy individuals and small business owners who often struggle to access traditional banking services. Customers can open an account with just one ID and no minimum balance, while entrepreneurs can apply for collateral-free loans of up to PHP2 million. Consumers can access loans of up to PHP250,000, with same-day approval and disbursement through the Maya app.
More than half of Maya Easy Credit borrowers received their first formal loan through the platform, and many small businesses now rely on Maya’s lending services to sustain and expand their operations.
Scaling Through Advanced Technology
Maya’s rapid expansion is powered by AI and machine learning, which process billions of microtransactions to enhance credit scoring, prevent fraud, and deliver tailored financial services. Its intuitive design ensures that first-time users can easily navigate banking tools, while businesses benefit from a unified platform that integrates payments, banking, and financial management.
The impact of Maya’s tech-driven approach is evident in its regional loan drawdowns, which surged 137% year-on-year, now accounting for 70% of the company’s lending growth. Embedded finance partnerships with leading retailers and fintech firms — including Landers Supermarket, Grab, Tala, and WeFund — have further extended Maya’s reach.
As Maya continues to leverage AI and digital finance innovations, it remains at the forefront of transforming banking in the Philippines, making financial services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of modern consumers.