Elen Dela Rosa has always been a pioneer in technology, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to making a difference. His journey began in high school at Manila Science High School, where the advanced computer lab curriculum ignited his passion for computer science. Despite receiving a scholarship to study chemical engineering at Ateneo, he instead chose to pursue computer engineering at MAPUA, driven by his relationship with computers and technology. His decision to follow his passion for scholarship paid off, as he joined Finastra, one of the largest global fintech companies, as a trainee programmer right out of college. Over the next 21 years, she worked her way up to become the Global Director of Product Management and Product Development, representing the Philippines at the global level as the only Filipino female leader among her peers around the world.
Elen’s time at Finastra was transformative, as she traveled extensively to key financial centers such as London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney, building a global network and gaining a broader perspective of the international banking landscape. However, his career changed dramatically when a business investment led to a change in the company’s product strategy and direction at Finastra. This change prompted him to pursue his dream of directly contributing to the Philippine economy by establishing his own company, which will utilize and develop local talents and provide a supportive and dynamic work culture. In 2013, with his own money, Elen presented Eco Global Consultingan IT solutions provider specializing in core banking systems.
ECo Global faced an uphill battle in its early days, a small player in a market dominated by global giants. The company got its first project in Bahrain in 2014 and then expanded to Singapore, marking the beginning of its international footprint. Elen’s relationships, carefully built in her career, contributed to these first contracts, emphasizing her belief in the power of interpersonal communication in business. Driven by a clear sense of purpose, Elen threw herself into banking, gradually building ECo Global’s reputation as a reliable solutions provider.
However, it was in 2019 that ECo Global really hit the ground running, signing its first major Philippine client and developing the SurePass Test Automation tool. This historic event inspired Elen to take a bold leap with him innovation: ECOSLAi. ECOSLAi, a transformative, plug-and-play banking and lending platform, is designed to empower rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions to compete in a fast-paced financial environment. As a product, ECOSLAi embodies Elen’s vision of an inclusive financial ecosystem in the Philippines, one that is both scalable and secure, bridging the gap for rural banks to deliver digital services that rival their urban counterparts. The technology team offers advanced features such as interoperability, scalability, and a cost-effective framework, making it possible for rural banks to transform their operations while keeping costs down. Through ECOSLAi, Elen envisions a future where rural banks not only survive but thrive—where they can deliver personalized, efficient services to customers and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced businesses to use remote operations, accelerated the growth of ECo Global, as banks became more open to remote agreements. The company took advantage of this change, leading projects ranging from the integration of business channels to the complete development of banks, all of which furthered the development of ECOSLAi. In 2023, ECo Global held a soft launch of ECOSLAi at the Hong Kong FinTech Festival as one of the six Philippine guests. The product has also been showcased at major events such as the Digital Pilipinas Festival 2023, where Elen spoke about the importance of “Empowering Provincial Digital Ecosystems,” and the Indonesia FinTech event in Jakarta.
Today, ECo Global’s clients include Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and ECOSLAi is poised to redefine rural banking in the Philippines. Elen’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her team is reflected in the company’s core values. ECo Global is known for its strong focus on employee well-being, as evidenced by its wellness programs, Great Place to Work® certification, and low mortality rate. Elen promotes a workplace where employees thrive, encouraged by programs that reward physical activity and support personal and professional development, including industry-standard certifications and ongoing skill development. By incorporating social responsibility into the business model, ECo Global also contributes to various educational foundations and community outreach programs.
Despite ECo Global’s phenomenal growth, Elen remains focused on her ultimate goal: to bring financial accessibility to every corner of the Philippines. With ECOSLAi, he not only aims to digitize rural banks; provides rural banks with a means to achieve financial stability and wider economic inclusion. His plans for 2024 reflect this vision, as ECo Global is piloting ECOSLAi with two rural banks, expanding its network of strategic partners and delivering affordable technology solutions to make ECOSLAi even more accessible.
Elen’s hard work and advocacy has been recognized after being selected as one of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Philippines and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
In a world where venture capital often dictates the trajectory of technology companies, Elen’s journey is a testament to her values and purpose. He built ECo Global from the ground up, choosing to sustain growth without outside investors so he could align with partners who share his commitment to community development. As she continues to transform rural banking through ECOSLAi, Elen is paving the way for a new era of inclusive finance, empowering underserved communities and reshaping the Philippine economy.
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