Strong economic progress is underway in the Philippines. Ambitious infrastructure development programs are ongoing in the construction, transportation, and energy sectors, and the country is also engaged with the European Union in negotiations for a free trade agreement.
CRIF has been an integral part of this socio-economic context since 2013, evolving and transforming to become a key player in empowering banks, fintech companies, and businesses to drive economic growth by combining global innovation with local expertise.
From enabling financial inclusion for individuals to unlocking opportunities for businesses: CRIF’s pioneering journey in the Philippine market
CRIF has achieved significant results in the Philippines through a series of major acquisitions and strong institutional partnerships with both Italian and local organizations.
In 2016, CRIF Philippines became a licensed Special Accessing Entity (SAE) accredited by the Credit Information Corporation (CIC). This license enables CRIF to access and aggregate credit information, transforming it into actionable insights that support financial institutions in assessing risk and expanding access to credit. Through its credit bureau services, CRIF has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion in the Philippines. By enabling banks, lenders, and microfinance institutions to assess creditworthiness more effectively, CRIF has helped individuals and small businesses to secure financing, opening doors to new economic opportunities. Its credit bureau and credit risk solutions are used by many commercial banks, fintechs, and microfinance companies, making CRIF a leading provider of credit information.
In 2018, CRIF achieved a significant milestone in the country with the acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Philippines which, for more than ten years, has served the business information needs of the Philippine market. Its clients include many of the country’s leading companies as well as local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thanks to this acquisition, CRIF further strengthened its leadership position in the field of business and credit information as well as risk management solutions in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.
CRIF’s success in the Philippines is underpinned by strong institutional partnerships with both Italian and local organizations. The company collaborates closely with the Italian Embassy in Manila, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and key industry associations.
These partnerships enhance CRIF’s ability to create meaningful connections, advocate for financial inclusion, and contribute to discussions that support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the broader economy.
Beyond large enterprises: CRIF’s Vendor Integrity Access (VIA) program
CRIF’s Vendor Integrity Access (VIA) program demonstrates the company’s commitment to inclusivity by driving value not only for large enterprises but also for the thousands of MSMEs that form the backbone of the Philippine economy. The program is aimed at improving transparency and integrity in supply chain management, and through this program, CRIF supports over 30,000 MSMEs in building meaningful partnerships with the country’s top corporations, enabling smaller businesses to access new markets, secure contracts, and grow sustainably.
The VIA program fosters supply chain resilience by creating a more transparent and reliable supply chain ecosystem. By providing detailed supplier insights, risk assessments, and compliance monitoring, the program empowers businesses to strengthen their supplier relationships and make informed decisions. For MSMEs, this means an opportunity to establish trust with large buyers and showcase their capabilities in a competitive market.
An Italian success story
CRIF plays a pivotal role in the Philippines’ economic progress, offering innovative solutions that go beyond serving businesses to shaping a resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem. By delivering advanced business information and credit risk management solutions, CRIF helps enterprises improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and unlock growth opportunities.
Through its data-driven approach, CRIF bridges the credit gap by enabling financial institutions to extend credit responsibly while helping MSMEs to access the funding they need to grow. Its tools and analytics also provide large enterprises with actionable insights to optimize operations, strengthen supply chains, and drive strategic decision making.
CRIF’s journey illustrates that with a vision rooted in innovation and a commitment to making a difference, businesses can thrive in new markets while leaving a lasting positive impact on the communities they serve.
