As digital threats become more sophisticated, Maya Philippines Inc. and Maya Bank Inc. are reaffirming their commitment to customer protection by renewing their certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — a move that underscores the company’s leadership in financial data security and privacy.
The two entities, which power Maya’s payments and banking services, have successfully maintained ISO 27001 for information security management and ISO 27701 for privacy information management.
The certifications confirm the bank’s continued compliance with globally recognized standards for safeguarding user data, making it the first digital bank in the Philippines and among the country’s earliest fintech players to achieve and sustain these designations.
The digital bank first obtained ISO 27001 in 2022 and ISO 27701 in 2023, meeting the rigorous annual audit and recertification requirements that validate the strength and consistency of its cybersecurity framework.
“At Maya, security is central to every product we design, putting protection directly in our customers’ hands,” said Dr. Ken Baylor, Group Chief Information Security Officer at Maya. “ISO 27001 and 27701 confirm that discipline — it means our customer data is protected to global standards, and our in-built trust scales with our technology.”
The milestone coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a fitting reminder that safety online requires not just strong systems but also active participation from users.
Security built into the experience
Unlike traditional banks that often treat cybersecurity as a back-end concern, Maya has made protection an integral part of the customer experience.
The company’s approach begins at the product development stage, where privacy safeguards and risk management are embedded before new features even launch.
This “security-by-design” principle ensures that every update — from mobile wallet transactions to digital banking services — meets both global and local standards. The company aligns its practices with the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while also holding Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification.
The company’s emphasis on responsible data protection has earned recognition from the National Privacy Commission, including the Privacy Initiative of the Year 2022 award.
Inside the digital bank’s app, customers can manage their own digital safety through the Security Center, a hub that provides real-time control over accounts. Users can instantly freeze or unfreeze cards, set spending limits, and manage active channels with just a few taps.
These features are reinforced by biometric logins, one-time passwords, and AI-driven fraud detection tools that flag suspicious activity before it can cause harm.
Shailesh Baidwan, President of Maya Group and Co-Founder of Maya Bank
“Security shouldn’t just work hard in the background. Customers must be able to take direct security actions so they feel in control,” said Shailesh Baidwan, President of Maya Group. “Maya’s approach makes protection tangible for customers — a critical shift at a time when fraud is rising globally and trust has never been more important.”
Building a culture of protection
Beyond technology, the bank continues to champion security awareness through education and collaboration. The company runs the Scam Patrol campaign, which helps users recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes. It also supports the #ScamWatch initiative of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and ScamWatch Philippines, reinforcing national efforts to protect consumers.
The company further co-founded PROTECTA PILIPINAS Fintech, a public-private sector coalition that includes the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippine National Police (PNP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and major telecommunications companies. The initiative aims to build a unified fraud-prevention network capable of sharing intelligence and responding faster to emerging threats.
These programs reflect the digital bank’s belief that protecting the digital economy requires cooperation between industry players, regulators, and consumers.
“Security is everyone’s business,” said Baylor. “Our role is to make it simple and accessible for customers while continuously raising the bar for industry standards.”
Setting the benchmark for digital trust
With its ISO recertification and ongoing security initiatives, the digital bank continues to position itself as a leader in digital trust in the Philippine fintech ecosystem. The company’s proactive stance on cybersecurity not only safeguards user data but also helps build long-term confidence in the country’s fast-growing digital financial services sector.
About Maya Maya is the #1 fintech ecosystem in the Philippines, combining Maya, the country’s top digital bank, and Maya Business, the leading omni-channel payment processor. Maya Bank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor.
Learn more at maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow @mayaiseverything on social media.
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Ralph is a dynamic writer and marketing communications expert with over 15 years of experience shaping the narratives of numerous brands. His journey through the realms of PR, advertising, news writing, as well as media and marketing communications has equipped him with a versatile skill set and a keen understanding of the industry. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.
