This reclassifies them from their previous status as a “rural bank.”
In Circular Letter No. 35 issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), it confirmed that the Monetary Board, through its Resolution No. 133 dated February 19, 2026, has approved the request of MariBank Philippines, Inc. (A Rural Bank), which operates the namesake fintech app, to upgrade its banking license from a rural bank to a digital bank under the corporate name MariBank Philippines, Inc.
The BSP noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission has also approved the amended Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws bearing the digital banking license last June.
And following that, the bamk also received the corresponding Certificate of Authority to operate as a digital bank was issued by the Bangko Sentral Governor on July 8 and led to the commencement of their operations as a digital bank on July 18, 2026.
According to the bank in their statement, “Our goal has always been to build a bank that works for Filipinos by being simple, reliable, and rewarding. The reclassification only positions MariBank to continue innovating and reach more Filipinos over time.“
MariBank also assured that their clients’ deposits remain insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and no changes in the overall experience for them.
Meanwhile, it also extended its gratitude to the BSP for its guidance and “support in fostering a safe, trusted, and innovative banking sector in the Philippines.“
MariBank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sea Limited, which also owns the e-commerce platform Shopee.
It originated as a digital bank in Singapore under Monee (formerly SeaMoney) in 2020 and later expanded to the Philippines as SeaBank. The bank rebranded to its current name in 2025.
