Asialink Finance Corporation has taken a bold step in addressing one of the most pressing gaps in the Philippine financial landscape: women’s access to formal credit. With nearly three decades of service to Filipino entrepreneurs, the company has built a reputation for strong governance, robust risk management, and international recognition, including credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings. In 2025, it launched the Women’s Access to Inclusive Support (WAIS) Loan, a programme designed to empower women entrepreneurs and micro-business owners who have long been underserved by traditional lenders.
Women own between 55.8% and 66% of MSMEs in the Philippines and account for 62% of newly registered businesses. Despite this strong presence, only 4% have secured formal financing. WAIS was created to change that reality. Within its first six months, the programme supported 3,322 clients and released over PHP1.61 billion (USD 26.8 million) in financing. Adoption was strong, with women-owned MSMEs now making up 57% of Asialink’s portfolio, compared to 49% before WAIS was introduced. This shift demonstrates not only increased engagement but also the programme’s ability to build trust and confidence among women-led businesses.
The initiative stands out for its inclusive design and superior digital customer experience. By simplifying loan applications, digitising touchpoints, and reducing documentation anxiety, WAIS makes financing more accessible to first-time borrowers. At the same time, Asialink’s nationwide network of 255 branches ensures that clients outside major cities receive personalised support. The hybrid model—combining digital efficiency with human-centred guidance—has proven to be a differentiator in a market where rigid, transactional lending frameworks often dominate.
“Through the WAIS Loan programme, we are breaking down barriers that have long limited women entrepreneurs’ access to formal financing,” said Maricel Dejongoy, Auto and Truck Loan General Manager. “At Asialink, we believe empowering women-led MSMEs means empowering families, communities, and the broader Philippine economy. By combining digital convenience with personalised support, we are helping women business owners grow with confidence and sustainability.”
Personalisation is at the heart of WAIS. Loan terms are tailored to the realities of women’s business cycles and cash flow patterns, rather than forcing them into generic SME templates. Clients benefit from relationship-driven guidance and ongoing engagement that adapts to their stage of growth. This approach transforms financing from a mere transaction into a long-term partnership. Many first-time borrowers who previously relied on informal lending channels are now able to access structured financing with greater confidence.
The programme’s success has also been amplified by strategic partnerships. International institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation have provided financing facilities to expand support for women-led enterprises.
For these achievements, Asialink was honoured as the Best Financial Inclusion & Accessibility CX Strategy – NBFI, at The Digital Banker’s Digital CX Awards 2026, held at Singapore.
In the future, Asialink plans to evolve WAIS into a holistic ecosystem that goes beyond financing. The vision includes enhanced digital touchpoints, deeper capacity-building initiatives, and tools that equip women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. By balancing growth with social impact, Asialink Finance Corporation has positioned itself not just as a leading non-bank financial institution, but as a purpose-driven organisation committed to empowering women and strengthening local economies nationwide.
