Vilja and Proximus Global partner to launch embedded WhatsApp services for emerging banks in Southeast Asia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2026 – Vilja the leading cloud-native core banking platform provider, has partnered with the international communications enabler Proximus Global, to deliver embedded WhatsApp capabilities to emerging banks across Southeast Asia. Vilja integrates WhatsApp capabilities to help rural and cooperative banks expand access to digital financial services across Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Vilja is enabling messaging-based banking using platforms customers already rely on daily. Through WhatsApp, customers can carry out everyday tasks such as opening accounts, viewing balances, applying for credit cards, and completing digital ID checks. This approach simplifies onboarding and communication, particularly for lower-income communities who may lack documentation, digital literacy, or access to advanced smartphones.

Seckin Arikan, CEO, Proximus Global, said: “This partnership is a major step towards financial inclusion for underserved communities. By embedding Route Mobile engagement channels and Telesign’s protection capabilities into the banking core, we will help bank the unbanked. Meeting customers on platforms they already trust is a vital step in delivering accessible and secure financial services to all, regardless of economic status.”

By combining Vilja’s cloud-native banking platform with Proximus Global’s international scale, the partnership makes it easier than ever for banks seeking to modernize their core infrastructure through native, conversational banking solutions.

Fredrik Ulvenholm, CEO at Vilja added: “Having seen the challenges smaller banks faced in the region, we recognized the need to add communications into the heart of our experience. By using familiar channels like WhatsApp, which customers trust and engage with naturally, emerging providers in Southeast Asia will now be able to compete with tier-1 banks.”

This partnership demonstrates Vilja’s and Proximus Global’s shared vision for a more inclusive financial ecosystem, with innovation and embedded communications at the heart of the mission, rather than revenue.