The Palawan Group of Companies, one of the Philippines’ most trusted financial service providers, has expanded into global money transfers with the launch of “Pera Padala Abroad,” an outbound remittance service that enables Filipinos to send money to more than 200 countries and territories.
Powered by a strategic partnership with RIA Money Transfer, the launch marks a significant milestone for the Palawan Group as it steps beyond domestic remittances and enters the growing and increasingly competitive cross-border payments market.
The move comes as outbound remittances among Filipinos continue to rise — driven by digital work, global business activity, overseas studies, and ongoing migration trends. With these needs in mind, the Palawan Group aims to offer a faster, more affordable, and more accessible alternative to traditional bank wires and foreign remittance services.
With outbound remittances among Filipinos rising due to digital work, global business transactions, and migration trends, Palawan Group aims to offer a faster, cheaper, and more accessible alternative to traditional bank wire transfers and foreign remittance channels.
Meeting the rising demand for outbound remittances
While the Philippines is widely recognized as one of the world’s largest recipients of inbound remittances, outbound transfers have quietly become one of the country’s fastest growing financial activities. According to Palawan Group executives, outbound flows grew by 8% year-on-year, fueled by use cases such as:
- Students paying school fees abroad
- Freelancers and virtual assistants settling subscriptions or digital tools
- Small businesses sourcing supplies from China, Thailand, or the U.S.
- Families supporting loved ones migrating overseas
- Expats in the Philippines sending money back home
For many, sending money abroad remains expensive and inconvenient. Traditional bank wires often start at ₱500 per transaction and can take several days to complete, especially over weekends or holidays.
The Palawan Group says it intends to change this.
“Our mission has always been to serve everyday Filipinos with mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos-balungos na serbisyo,” said Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group. “With Pera Padala Abroad, we’re giving Filipinos a simpler and more affordable way to support loved ones and business partners overseas.”
Powered by RIA: A global network at the Filipinos’ fingertips
The partnership with RIA Money Transfer, one of the world’s largest remittance networks, gives Palawan GrThrough its partnership with RIA Money Transfer, one of the world’s largest remittance networks, the Palawan Group now has access to an extensive global infrastructure that includes:
- 200+ countries and territories
- 3 billion e-wallets
- 4 billion bank accounts (90% real-time)
- 600,000+ cash pickup locations worldwide
PalawanPay users can send money abroad via bank deposit, e-wallet transfer, or cash pickup.
“For outbound remittances, fees start at ₱300, which is highly competitive compared with banks and other providers,” said Lilian C. Selda, Vice Chairman and CFO of the Palawan Group. “With RIA’s global network, customers benefit from transparent pricing and quick turnaround times with no hidden charges.”
Senders may also choose between the destination country’s currency or the recipient’s preferred currency, offering greater flexibility.
Digital convenience, backed by brick-and-mortar support
The Palawan Group’s entry into international remittances leverages its bricktech model — a combination of digital convenience supported by more than 3,500 Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP) branches nationwide.
Customers can send money through the PalawanPay app or visit a nearby branch, a hybrid model particularly valuable in provinces and underserved areas where many Filipinos still rely on walk-in financial services.
“We recognize that trust comes from both digital solutions and physical accessibility,” Castro added. “Whether through the app or a Palawan branch, Filipinos can rely on us for secure and easy global transfers.”
Who benefits most from Pera Padala Abroad?
During the media launch, Palawan identified several fast-growing user groups:
- Freelancers and online workers
Fast outgoing payments for subscriptions, tools, and client-linked expenses. - SMEs in retail and e-commerce
More affordable options for sourcing goods internationally. - Families supporting loved ones overseas
Faster and less costly transfers for everyday needs. - Expats living in the Philippines
A convenient way to remit funds back home. - Emergency situations
Quick transfers for urgent medical or travel requirements.
AI-Powered Security and Compliance at the Forefront
Entering the global remittance market requires robust security. PalawanPay emphasized that Pera Padala Abroad is backed by significant investments in cybersecurity, AI-powered identity verification, and BSP-regulated compliance systems.
Key safeguards include:
- AI-powered EKYC, capable of detecting tampered IDs, fake documents, and AI-generated identities
- BSP-mandated cybersecurity protocols, including regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests
- Tiered wallet limits, with verified users able to transact up to ₱250,000 per month
- Mandatory AMLA training for all employees
“With the rise of AI-generated scams, we’re also using AI to fight AI,” a PalawanPay executive said.
RIA on the partnership
According to Espen Kristensen, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at RIA, the partnership with Palawan Pay is strategic due to Palawan’s strong brand reputation and extensive nationwide footprint.
“With Palawan’s reach, we can bring reliable global transfers to communities that previously depended only on banks or informal channels,” Kristensen said.
A significant step in the Philippines’ fintech evolution
The launch of Pera Padala Abroad positions the Palawan Group among the few Philippine fintech players offering both domestic and international remittances within a single platform—bridging the gap between local financial services and global payment infrastructure.
As cross-border transactions become an everyday reality for more Filipinos, the ability to send money quickly, securely, and affordably becomes mission-critical.
With its partnership with RIA Money Transfer and its nationwide presence, the Palawan Group is poised to reshape how Filipinos send money abroad—bringing global financial access closer to communities across the country.
A new chapter for digital remittances
With its partnership with RIA Money Transfer, the Palawan Group is poised to reshape how Filipinos send money abroad. Combining low fees, wide global coverage, AI-enhanced compliance, and a hybrid bricktech model, the platform is well-positioned to serve both digital-first users and underserved communities.
As global financial interactions become a daily reality for many Filipinos, the Palawan Group’s Pera Padala Abroad stands as a timely and much-needed innovation in the country’s fintech landscape.
