Technology and industry leaders highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is driving innovation and business impact while also putting cybersecurity at the forefront of daily operations at the fifth edition of iGnite: The GCash Innovation Summit. The event also celebrated the global impact of Philippine-grown innovation, with keynote speaker Sen. Bam Aquino recognizing GCash is for Filipinos, a company "made here, hatched here, [and] nurtured here" before expanding its reach around the world.

The full-day summit brought together the biggest industry names, leaders, and experts from GCash, the Ayala Group, key policymakers, and stakeholders from the tech sector to explore how organizations can responsibly harness emerging technologies to create value for customers and businesses.

The event came at a time when many businesses, particularly MSMEs, were still struggling to transition to an AI-enabled landscape. A Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) research, in fact, found that only 14.9% of Philippine firms were using AI tools. In response, the event brought together experts and innovators to strengthen public-private collaboration in making AI-driven digital financial services more responsible, inclusive, and secure.

"Innovation is not just about adopting the latest technology. It is about bringing the right people together to solve real problems. Through iGnite Innovation Summit, we are creating a platform where top global industry leaders, regulators, and innovators can share ideas, build partnerships, and develop practical solutions that strengthen digital trust and create value for Filipinos," said Pebbles Sy, Mynt Chief Technology and Operations Officer. 



Serving as the keynote speaker, Sen. Bam Aquino underscored the importance of harnessing digital tools and technology in place to accelerate the country's digital economy, emphasizing that innovation must also inform policymaking.

"My position is, you cannot be a competent leader, a competent business, or a competent government if you don't utilize the tools that are already available right now," he said.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, said that data-driven insights are essential to understanding the realities faced by Filipinos and crafting policies that address their needs.

"That data is so important in policy making. That data is so important in crafting a policy framework that can truly uplift Filipinos' lives," he said, highlighting the value of fintech platforms such as GCash in providing customer insights that can help shape more responsive policies.

"It's already there. If we turn our backs on it, it won't just be stupid. It will become criminal," he added.

Aquino also commended GCash for promoting financial literacy through digital innovation.

"All of the success GCash and the partners here, wag nyong kakalimutan na GCash was made here, hatched here, was nurtured here, and even though I know it is already transnational and all over the world, yung puso ho ng [GCash] ay Pilipinas. Nasa puso ko rin ang GCash," he added.

The event featured four content tracks that guided participants through the evolving role of AI in finance and business.

In The AI Business Engine, audiences learned how AI and automation are driving innovation and transforming financial services. Intelligent Trust, meanwhile, highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity, resilience, and customer trust in an increasingly digital world.

Through The Agentic Enterprise, participants explored how AI is reshaping the workplace, business processes, and workforce capabilities. Rounding out the program, Regulatory Tech Revolution showcased how AI is strengthening fraud prevention, promoting responsible governance, and enabling safer digital financial services.

iGnite 2026 also featured a hackathon, regulatory discussions, Ayala CIOs (Chief Information Officers) roundtables, and experiential activities.

At the heart of every digital innovation is cybersecurity, providing the trust and protection that allow businesses and consumers to embrace new technologies with confidence.

As such, the program included the very first GCash-organized cybersecurity and anti-fraud summit, GSafe: The Vanguards of Trust. Aligned with the #GSafeTayo efforts of GCash, the GSafe Vanguards of Trust summit led the charge toward a safer digital future. It looked at who the whole tech industry is up against in the digital ecosystem, how to confront emerging threats, how technology can help address AI-driven attacks, and how public and private sector collaborations can help build a safer digital ecosystem for all.

"Cybersecurity is the foundation of digital trust. As more Filipinos embrace digital financial services, protecting their accounts, transactions, and personal information remains our highest priority. At GCash, we continue to invest in technology, strengthen our security measures, and empower users with the knowledge they need to stay safe online," said Miguel Geronilla, GCash Chief Information Security Officer.

Through the iGnite Innovation Summit 2026, GCash aims to turn conversations about the future into practical ideas and partnerships, helping build safer, smarter, and more inclusive digital experiences for Filipinos. As digital technologies continue to evolve, cybersecurity remains essential to protecting consumers, strengthening trust, and ensuring that innovation benefits everyone securely and responsibly.

For more information about iGnite 2026, visit www.gcash.com.