The Philippines’ growing role in the convergence of insurance and financial technology has drawn renewed attention from global insurer AXA Group, which reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country as a strategic growth and innovation market.
“The Philippines plays an important role in our vision for inclusive and future-ready protection solutions,” said Thomas Buberl, AXA Group Chief Executive Officer. “If we can strengthen risk preparedness and recovery here, it can serve as a model for other high-risk, high-growth markets across the globe.”
Digital shift in insurance and financial inclusion
During a recent visit to Manila, Buberl and AXA International Markets CEO Hassan El-Shabrawishi highlighted the country’s strong economic fundamentals, expanding fintech ecosystem, and young, tech-savvy population as factors positioning it at the forefront of the digital transformation in insurance.
Photo shows company executives (from left:) AXA Philippines CFO Mikael Malaganne, Chief Human Resources Officer Sharon Hernandez, COO Kathleen Villegas, Chief Transformation and Technology Officer Caloi Santos, Group CEO Thomas Buberl, AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil, International Markets CEO Hassan El-Shabrawishi, AXA Philippines Chief General Insurance Officer Gael Lapie, AXA Philippines Chief Distribution Officer Khaled Younis, and AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nandy Villar during their visit in the country.
The visit comes at a time when the local insurance sector is undergoing rapid digitalization, driven by rising fintech adoption and the government’s push for greater financial inclusion. Buberl said the company’s focus in the Philippines aligns with this shift — combining traditional insurance with fintech-enabled tools to make protection more accessible, efficient, and data-driven.
El-Shabrawishi described the Philippines as a “testbed for inclusive insurance innovation,” citing AXA’s EssentiALLprogram, which offers affordable coverage for underserved sectors such as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), informal workers, and vulnerable households.
Photo shows (from left:) AXA International Markets CEO Hassan El-Shabrawishi, AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil, and AXA Group CEO Thomas Buberl
“We are committed to scaling access to insurance for underserved groups such as MSMEs, informal workers, and vulnerable households,” said El-Shabrawishi. “Through AXA EssentiALL, our global inclusive insurance program, we are creating affordable, affordable, practical solutions that support financial resilience for millions of families.”
By integrating digital technology into its insurance operations, the global insurance firm aims to deliver protection that reaches more people, faster — particularly those excluded from traditional financial systems.
Metrobank partnership anchors growth
AXA’s strong presence in the Philippines is anchored by its 25-year partnership with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank).
The joint venture has long been recognized as one of the pioneers of bancassurance in the country — a model that has evolved from in-branch advisory to digital-first customer engagement, mirroring the shift in how Filipinos manage their financial lives.
Through this partnership, AXA and Metrobank have expanded digital access to insurance products, promoted financial literacy, and supported initiatives that help Filipinos build financial resilience — efforts that complement the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s vision for a more inclusive and tech-driven financial system.
“Insurance today must go beyond protection after the fact,” Buberl said. “It must help communities anticipate risks, prepare for them, and recover faster. That’s where digital tools can make the difference.”
Prevention through technology
AXA Philippines is also integrating digital analytics and mobile platforms to move from traditional claims response toward risk prevention and early intervention.
With the country’s frequent exposure to natural disasters, such technologies can enable early warnings, faster claims settlement, and more personalized coverage for customers.
The company’s emphasis on data-driven prevention mirrors broader fintech trends in the region, where platforms use artificial intelligence, blockchain, and predictive analytics to manage financial risks in real time.
Strengthening financial resilience
AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil said the insurer is committed to supporting Filipinos through products and services that blend financial security with digital convenience.
“Insurance today must go beyond protection after the fact. Our goal is to help communities
anticipate risks, prepare for them, and recover more quickly,” explained Buberl. “The Philippines plays an important role in this vision. If risk preparedness and recovery can be strengthened here, it can serve as a model for other high-risk regions across the globe.”
This approach aligns with the government’s digital transformation and inclusion agenda. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has identified fintech and insurtech as critical sectors in achieving a cash-lite, connected economy by 2030.
AXA’s regional model for insurtech integration
Buberl said AXA views the Philippines as a regional model for how insurtech and fintech can converge to strengthen social and economic resilience in emerging markets.
According to him, insurance today must go beyond responding to loss — it must help people anticipate risks and recover faster. “The Philippines is central to this vision. By strengthening risk preparedness and resilience here, we can create a model for other high-risk, high-growth markets around the world.”
With its continued investment in digital capabilities, partnerships, and inclusive programs, AXA aims to make insurance not just a financial product, but a cornerstone of fintech-powered empowerment for millions of Filipinos.
