Mynt's Pebbles Sy: In the AI era, trust must move as fast as technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transitioned from a nascent technology into a vital business tool, transforming sectors such as customer service, fraud prevention, software development, and decision-making. At the fifth GCash iGnite Innovation Summit 2026, industry leaders grappled with a new question: how to drive innovation swiftly without sacrificing trust.

Pebbles Sy, the chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, emphasized that the focus is no longer on whether to embrace AI, but on ensuring that innovation is grounded in accountability, governance, and trust. Sy highlighted that AI should not be viewed as a universally effective solution, but rather as a tool requiring robust governance, high-quality data, and human judgment.

Mynt's approach to AI adoption across GCash's products and operations is intentional, aimed at solving real problems for Filipinos in a simpler, safer manner. Sy stressed that every product decision carries significant real-world consequences, and that AI should support decisions made by humans, not replace them. She also stressed that governance should be proportionate to the level of risk, with different oversight levels for AI tools influencing different aspects such as customer support or financial transactions.

Sy challenged the myth that rapid innovation and strong security are mutually exclusive, arguing that they can actually reinforce each other when designed appropriately. The summit underscored the importance of collaboration, with Sy asserting that the future of digital finance will be shaped by people, not just technology. For Sy, the ultimate measure of successful AI adoption is its tangible impact on users' lives, improving daily experiences while maintaining security and trust.