PLDT Enterprise takes the first step in transitioning beyond OTPs in PH

For millions of Filipinos who rely on their phones for banking, shopping, and connecting every day, the fear of falling victim to online scams is real. Industry leader PLDT Enterprise is introducing a breakthrough that will make digital transactions safer and simpler — protecting Filipinos from OTP-related fraud, while ensuring that security never gets in the way of convenience. The corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) is set to launch SmartSafe SilentAccess, a groundbreaking enterprise solution offering the safest, next-generation alternative to one-time passwords (OTP).

This milestone makes PLDT the first and leading Philippine telco to pioneer network-powered silent authentication, a globally certified innovation that sets a new standard for digital safety in the country. The technology aims to completely eliminate scams stemming from OTP fraud, significantly strengthening consumer protection in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.

“We envision PLDT to be the first to transition beyond OTPs in the country,” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart. “With SmartSafe, we are not just protecting enterprises and their end-users – we are shaping the future of digital trust in the Philippines.”

A new era of authentication

SilentAccess, the flagship of the soon-to-be-launched SmartSafe fraud management API suite, authenticates users directly and in real-time through the nation-widest network of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). This enables frictionless logins and transactions without relying on SMS-based OTPs, which are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, vishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

“SmartSafe SilentAccess delivers certified authentication without OTPs, working invisibly in the background,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management at PLDT Enterprise. “It is about making security effortless for end-users, while giving enterprises the strongest and safest possible defense against digital fraud.”

Anchored on safety and trust for all Filipinos

As the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, Smart is the first Philippine telco to achieve GSMA certification for its Open Gateway APIs, including Number Verification offered to B2B users by PLDT Enterprise. This global recognition strengthens Smart’s role as a network authority for digital safety.

SmartSafe SilentAccess also aligns with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1213, which calls on financial institutions to move beyond SMS-based OTPs, as well as directives from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and National Privacy Commission (NPC) to strengthen consumer protection in the digital space.

SilentAccess is just the beginning

Beyond SilentAccess, the SmartSafe fraud management API suite will expand protection across multiple fronts – from solutions that guard against SIM swap fraud, verify network location, enable safer digital access while roaming, and allow network-powered Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks.

“SilentAccess is just the beginning,” Pineda declared. “As the first telco to bring this level of authentication to the market, we are taking the lead in building the safest digital environment for every Filipino.”

“Our broad suite of fraud management solutions will safeguard billions of digital moments – because as we provide these technologies to banks, retailers, healthcare providers, and government agencies, we also protect their end-users every time they log in, shop online, access records, or complete transactions,” he detailed.

Strengthening the foundation of the digital economy

As mobile transactions continue to surge — with over 60% of digital interactions in the Philippines happening via mobile — the stakes for fraud prevention have never been higher. By removing friction for end-users while closing doors to scammers, Smart Safe creates value for enterprises, consumers, and the broader society.

“This is about more than just telco innovation: it is about ensuring the Philippines becomes one of the safest digital economies in the region,” Pineda added. “By strengthening the security of every digital interaction, SmartSafe helps safeguard critical services, protects businesses and consumers, and ensures the continuity of our digital economy. We at PLDT Enterprise will enable a safer, more inclusive digital future for all Filipinos.”