BPI, Ayala Land launch Phl's first interoperable direct debit system
Bank of the Philippine Islands and Ayala Land, Inc. have launched the country’s first interoperable, multilateral direct debit system, allowing property buyers and tenants to pay recurring obligations from accounts at participating banks.
The Direct Debit facility enables automated cross-bank debits through a regulated clearing house, removing the need for payors and billers to maintain accounts within the same bank. A full rollout is targeted in the first quarter following a pilot phase.
The platform supports the digital payments roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and complements InstaPay and PESONet.
Through the integration, Ayala Land customers may authorize automatic debits for property amortizations, rent, association dues and other scheduled payments using their existing bank accounts.
For Ayala Land, the system allows automated clearing, same-day settlement to its BPI account and standardized reporting across members of the Philippine Clearing House Corporation, reducing manual processing and speeding reconciliation.
(L-R): BPI’s Joel De Vera, Head of Strategy, Products, and Support, Institutional Banking, and Louie Cruz, Head of Institutional Banking with ALI’s Jose Eduardo Quimpo II, CFO and Treasurer, and Sheila Marie San Buenaventura, Residential Business Group CFO.
“This is a first-of-its-kind solution in the Philippines that allows interoperable direct debit for recurring payments,” said Louie Cruz, Head of Institutional Banking at BPI. “By enabling automated debits from any participating bank, we are setting a new standard for convenience, reliability, and innovation in payments. Our collaboration with Ayala Land demonstrates how partnerships can scale digital solutions that directly benefit customers.”
“As BPI celebrates 175 years, we continue to invest in innovations that simplify everyday financial transactions,” he added.
“This initiative reinforces Ayala Land’s commitment to delivering a more seamless and efficient buying experience,” said Jigger Jamir, Deputy Treasurer of Ayala Land. “Through a one-time authorization, customers can now make recurring payments electronically using their existing bank accounts, removing the need for multiple checks and simplifying how they manage their financial commitments. At the same time, automated clearing, same-day settlement, and standardized reporting enable faster posting of payments and more efficient processing.”
