Higala

Higala announced last March 18 that it has extended and increased its seed funding to $2.8 million with investments from Talino Venture Studios and 1982 Ventures. This will drive the further expansion of Higala’s network of financial institutions, its instant payment system, and platform bank service for financial resilience and inclusion.

Higala met with members of the Federation of Laguna Rural Bankers to talk about the challenges faced by rural banks in onboarding new customers and adopting digital payment systems such as the high cost of technology, licensing, and expertise needed and the intense competition from other digital financial services. Higala’s President and Chief Revenue Officer Vice Catudio presented SynerFi as a solution to enable rural banks to conduct digital payments through InstaPay. This will make payments more accessible and secure for the communities of Laguna. Thank you to the federation members for inviting us!

Higala and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) presented SynerFi at the Confederation of Central Luzon Rural Banks, Inc. (CCLRB) 2025 Annual Management Conference held at Quest Plus Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga, last March 6-7. SynerFi is a platform banking service designed to accelerate the onboarding of rural banks into instant payment systems. SynerFi will provide rural banks and communities in Central Luzon access to faster and affordable ways to send and receive payments.

Higala is a member of the Mojaloop Foundation. Mojaloop is a 'digital public good' that lowers the cost of building, maintaining, and operating Inclusive Instant Payment Systems. By leveraging the Mojaloop technology, Higala can focus on accelerating the onboarding of financial institutions and building the financial ecosystem to broaden participation in the payment system, expand the reach of instant payments, and hasten the introduction of innovative payment solutions to the market. Our CTO, Francis Plaza, attended the Mojaloop Foundation Community Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Learn more about our partnership with Mojaloop- message us! #mojaloop #financialinclusion

Who is Higala? Higala is an instant payment infrastructure provider that enables financial institutions to move money seamlessly. Higala aims to strengthen the country’s instant payment system by enabling resiliency and improving accessibility and inclusivity. Higala is the Philippines' pioneer in Inclusive Instant Payment Systems. Let's connect and collaborate to make a more resilient financial future! #financialinclusion #Higala

It has been an exciting first year for Higala and we cannot wait for what’s to come. Thank you to our partners for supporting our mission to grow financial inclusion in the Philippines! Be the change you wish for the world. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Around 73% of Filipino farmers do not have bank accounts, greatly hampering their access to vital financial services. Higala is committed to equipping rural banks and micro-financial institutions with the technology and expertise to help our farmers get the support they deserve. Let’s work together to empower our farmers. #OpenPayments

What is the biggest challenge your bank faces in establishing digital payment systems?

Learn why an EFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System) license is so important for financial institutions (FIs) and how we’re helping smaller FIs like rural banks attain it! #TaxPayments #FinancialInclusion

Higala connects new and up-and-coming players to enter the financial services market, which can lead to better products and services for consumers. If you’re a community bank or EMI looking to expand your services, Higala is your best partner. Talk to us. #OpenPayments