Former HSBC Head of Mortgages Backs Philippines’ First Mortgage Broker, Nook

Former HSBC Head of Mortgages, Steve Martinelli, has backed fintech, Nook, the Philippines’ first mortgage broking firm. He joins other top banking executives along with Australian entrepreneur, Chris Elder, as the group capitalizes on the growing yet underserved markets of South East Asia.

As an emerging market, the Philippines has one of the highest GDP growth rates in the region and strong residential real estate loans growth which makes it the ideal location for the firm to expand from. The fintech has already tapped some of the biggest banks in the country for its lending panel as it moves fast to capture market share and change the way the country applies for home loans.  

According to a survey done by New Perspective Media Group in 2019, property assets remain the top investment choice for most Filipinos who are still considering property as an investment in the country, specifically in locations such as Metro Manila, and outer areas such as Cavite and Laguna.

Globe myBusiness powers Ateneo de Davao’s digital school year

Industries are developing ways to thrive amid the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming school year, educational institutions are transitioning to online learning to allow students to complete their requirements while staying safe at home. 

Strengthening its position as an invaluable partner in promoting 21st Century Learning, Globe myBusiness has partnered with Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) by providing tailor-made internet plans for the next school year. Through the partnership, the university secured 7,000 Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi units for instructors and students. The kits are equipped with a WiFi modem with a LAN port, free 10GB of data allocation upon modem activation, and access to a customizable suite of apps to aid the learning process.

Digital habits on the rise in Southeast Asia as the new normal approaches – Mastercard Study

COVID-19 has accelerated adoption of ecommerce and contactless payments in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, offering opportunities for businesses to continue operating while allowing consumers to stay safe. 

COVID-19 has driven momentum towards the digital economy in Southeast Asia by necessitating rapid adoption of ecommerce, home deliveries, and digital and contactless payments, according to the latest Mastercard Impact Studies™. Even as countries in the region start to ease restrictions and prepare for a “new normal”, the report indicates that some of these trends and habits formed in response to the pandemic are expected to remain for the long-term.

Housing loans now made seamless and faster for OFWs with Nook, AQWIRE partnership

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will soon be able to apply for a housing loan and pay amortizations through a seamless online process with online mortgage broker Nook and property development solutions provider AQWIRE. The recent partnership between the fintech and proptech companies aims to pave the way for more housing investments in the Philippines by OFWs.

Under this collaboration, OFWs will be able to obtain and complete a home loan process application and secure a trusted payment process despite being away from the Philippines. Through Nook, OFWs can find the right housing loan and submit documents online for the approval of a major local bank. Upon approval of the housing loan, settlements to the bank can be coursed through AQWIRE’s platform.  

Pru Life UK extends free COVID-19 protection sign-up offer until June 15 for Filipinos through health app, Pulse

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK is extending its free COVID-19 protection and Personal Accident (PA) coverage sign-up offer until June 15, 2020 through Pulse, an artificial intelligence-powered health and wellness app that offers holistic health management.

Pru Life UK is keen to protect more Filipinos, particularly health workers, with its free COVID-19 protection and PA coverage — a one-time, 45-day insurance against the unfortunate event that the individual passes away as a result of COVID-19 or an accident. This limited, exclusive offer is available to the first 500,000 persons who register their profiles on the Pulse app until June 15, 2020. The coverage is effective from the date of registration.