Security Bank CFO JD Yap named co-chair of SME Finance Forum East Asia and Pacific chapter

Recognition reflects Security Bank's commitment to entrepreneurs and MSME

Security Bank Chief Financial Officer JD Yap has been named one of four co-chairs of the newly launched East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Chapter of the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The appointment recognizes Yap's extensive experience in SME banking and reinforces Security Bank's commitment to helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses thrive. It also gives the Philippines a voice in regional discussions on expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across East Asia and the Pacific.

Prior to his current role as CFO, he led Security Bank's Business Banking Segment, where he deepened the Bank's focus on MSMEs and strengthened support for Filipino entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Through tailored financing, cash management, and digital banking solutions, Security Bank helps businesses start, grow, and scale their businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

InLife Benefits Partners with PhilHealth to Bring YAKAP Preventive Care Program to the Private Sector Workforce

(From left, counter clockwise): Dr. Charlotte Reyes - Chief Group Operations Officer, InLife Benefits; Noemi Azura - CEO and President, InLife Benefits; Dra. Bernadette Lico Vice President - PhilHealth Regional Office, NCR and Rizal; Raymond Acoba - Head of the Public Affairs Unit, PhilHealth Regional Office, NCR and Rizal; Atty. April Aceron - PhilHealth Legal Office; Dra. Isabel Umali - Deputy Medical Director, InLife Benefits; and Dr. Charlotte Reyes - Chief Group Operations Officer, InLife Benefits. 

InLife Benefits and PhilHealth recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bring the PhilHealth YAKAP Program closer to employees in the private sector, marking the first partnership of its kind between PhilHealth and a private healthcare benefits provider. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of preventive healthcare services, encourage early disease screening, and help more Filipinos maximize the health benefits available to them.

EastWest rewards Horizons Club members with lifestyle and travel prizes

Rewarding smart financial habits with wellness, travel, and lifestyle experiences

Saving and growing one's finances can now lead to rewarding experiences, from wellness and fitness perks to memorable travel adventures.

As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness, travel, and meaningful experiences, EastWest Horizons—the Bank’s preferential banking program for emerging affluent customers—continues to look for ways to deliver value beyond traditional banking, helping customers make the most of both their financial journey and their lifestyle aspirations.

Sun Life Grepa Wins Dual Honors for Social Impact and Employer Branding Excellence

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country's leading life insurance providers, has earned two prestigious industry recognitions that underscore its commitment to creating meaningful impact both within and beyond the workplace.

The company was recently awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Employer Branding at the HR Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing its success in cultivating a workplace culture where employees are empowered to thrive, grow and make a meaningful impact.

The accolade highlights Sun Life Grepa's people-first approach to building an organization where collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose-driven work are at the heart of the employee experience. Through initiatives focused on professional development, employee well-being, engagement, and career growth, the company continues to foster an environment that enables employees to unleash their brightest selves.

Security Bank posts PHP6.1B H1 net income

Q2 net income rises 25% QoQ; first-half pre-provision operating profit grows 21% YoY

14 August 2026, Makati City, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) reported PHP6.1 billion in net income for the first half of 2026 (H1-2026), up 4% year-on-year (YoY), as stronger revenues, better operating efficiency, and prudent credit management supported the Bank’s performance. Second-quarter momentum strengthened, with Q2-2026 net income rising 25% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and 11% year-on-year to PHP3.4 billion.

Pre-provision operating profit rose 21% year-on-year to PHP15.4 billion, reflecting the Bank’s core earnings expansion and continued focus on disciplined, quality growth. Total revenues increased 11% to PHP34.9 billion.

In line with our evolving brand identity, the company, formerly known as Insular Life, is now officially referred to as InLife.

InLife Global Care launched to close healthcare confidence gap for Filipinos

Plan offers P125M in coverage, worldwide healthcare access, guaranteed renewability up to age 99

Rising medical costs, gaps in existing health coverage and complex treatment options have given rise to a healthcare confidence gap, leaving Filipinos unable to seek proper medical care when the need arises. 

In 2025, the country’s Total Health Expenditure (THE), reached P1.87 trillion, a 15.1 percent increase from 2024’s THE of P1.63 trillion. Of this, 41.2% was paid out-of-pocket, placing a direct financial burden on individuals and families, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Meanwhile, 2026 medical costs can potentially increase to 16.1%, indicating a continued rapid increase in healthcare spending, which highlights the need for better healthcare funding among Filipinos. 

Visa and UMSI advance financial inclusion with new payment innovation for Filipino SMEs

UMSI has launched U Accept, an innovation powered by Visa that transforms a smartphone into a digital payment acceptance tool, enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines to receive card and other contactless payment methods

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI), one of the largest one-stop shops for financial services in the Philippines, are ushering in a new era of payments digitalization with the launch of U Accept, an innovative payment solution that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to securely accept contactless card payments using an eligible smartphone.