Finance
EastWest Bank recognized at Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024
For an innovative service that uses Facebook Messenger
EastWest Bank was recognized and awarded at the Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024 for an innovative digital banking service that utilizes Facebook Messenger. The Philippines-based bank took home the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year honor for its EastWest System Tech Assistant (ESTA).
This service was launched in 2020, and has since redefined the digital banking experience specifically for credit cardholders. The award ceremony took place last July 4, 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore.
Award-winning innovation
EastWest Bank’s ESTA leverages the power of Facebook Messenger, offering its credit card clients a platform to effortlessly perform a variety of services. While most businesses use Messenger only for basic customer service functions and inquiries, EastWest Bank’s innovation is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It offers full-service functionality tantamount to a mobile app or even a web portal.
Among ESTA’s key features are:
- real-time transaction and balance displays
- viewing of unbilled, current, and historical transactions
- limit increase requests
- supplementary cards
- points redemption
Additionally, customers may lock and unlock accounts in real-time for security purposes. They may likewise fulfill installment conversions immediately and update customer information on the spot.
Lastly, the platform allows for promotions search and display, submission of customer service support tickets, and querying of EastWest credit card product features and other information through ChatGPT.
ESTA’s effectiveness has garnered it a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 for credit card servicing and an impressive NPS of 81 for application onboarding. Its importance was highlighted further during the COVID-19 pandemic season, as it kept the bank’s credit card business ongoing.
Looking ahead, EastWest Bank is working on adapting more digital processes and services for the present age. Transitioning with improvements, upgrades, and updates will enhance the bank’s digital capabilities.
Finance
UnionDigital Bank, Chubb partner for accessible insurance protection
Chubb insurance products now integrated into UD app
UnionDigital Bank and Chubb Philippines have partnered to bring accessible insurance protection to Filipinos.
The strategic partnership integrates Chubb’s insurance solutions directly on the UD app. These comprehensive solutions will be seen among UD’s suite of financial products. That way, insurance protection becomes more accessible for consumers.
The two key insurance products in the initial rollout are Loan Protect Insurance and Kaya Protect Insurance.
The first product is automatically included for eligible UD loan borrowers at no additional cost for the first three months once the loan is approved.
In the event of accidental death, permanent disability, temporary disability, or death due to illness, Loan Protect Insurance pays up to the original loan amount to cover 100% of the customer’s outstanding loan balance.
Any remaining balance is released to beneficiaries. Loan Protect Insurance is currently available for loans up to PhP 30,000 with short-term repayment periods.
Meanwhile, Kaya Protect Insurance will be available soon. This provides personal accident and accidental death coverage up to PhP 150,000 and is activated automatically by maintaining a low minimum balance of PhP 100 in the insured’s savings account.
The partnership between UnionDigital Bank and Chubb aims to address the protection gap, as according to a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey, 48% of adult Filipinos are currently uninsured.
Finance
New luvit card offers flexible Buy Now, Pay Later installments
Simple application process, borrow up to PhP 200,000
FinVolution Group has unveiled the luvit card, making everyday payments accessible and flexible for users through a Buy Now, Pay Later approach.
The rollout marks the company’s move into card-based solutions, bringing installment-enabled transactions into a format that works both online and in physical stores — whether locally or abroad.
To get started, simply download luvit via the App Store or Google Play. Signing up on the app only needs minimal requirements and fast approval.
Once approved, users can start using the Mastercard-powered physical luvit card for a range of expenses. This includes daily purchases, bills, travel bookings, and other lifestyle spendings.
Users can borrow from PhP 2,000 to PhP 200,000 (~US$ 32.56 to ~US$ 3,255.80).
The Buy Now, Pay Later card is designed to accommodate various financial needs. Users can repay in installment options that work for them. In addition, a 0% interest installment is available for the first 40 days.
Finance
Atome now allows in-app bill payments with Bayad partnership
Pay for utilities, internet, government contributions directly within the app
Atome Philippines has partnered with Bayad to allow users to pay for utilities, internet, and government contributions directly within the Atome app.
The integration with the country’s largest bill payment aggregator is designed to help Filipinos manage household budgets more easily without the need for extra steps.
Atome users no longer need to switch from one app to another, nor visit websites to handle monthly bills. Bayad’s extensive network of billers and service providers can be accessed through the platform.
As such, electricity and water bills, as well as government fees, can be paid for directly via the app.
Beyond convenience, users will likewise earn Atome rewards points on every utility bill payment they make.
The partnership between Atome and Bayad is an important step in financial inclusion in the Philippines.
It gives unbanked and underbanked individuals a simpler and more rewarding way to manage essential household expenses.
Atome is known popularly for its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offering. It has tie-ups with retailers like fashion, beauty, travel, and more.
The digital financial service platform also offers a Mastercard-powered BNPL card, as well as petty cash loans.
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