Eight in 10 Filipinos Are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services - Visa Study

Filipinos also demonstrating increased awareness of biometric payments

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released new findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study[1], that show over eight in 10 Filipinos (83%) are aware and interested (81%) in using digital banking services. However, only 32 percent of respondents are currently using services offered by a digital bank. Top interest drivers for Filipinos to use digital banking services include access to banking services anytime of the day (68%), time saved from not having to queue at bank branches (68%) and convenience (67%).

The study also showed that Filipinos are most keen to work with a financial services brand for digital banking services (93%) and traditional banks (92%), followed by new start-ups with digital banking services (72%).

Filipinos interested in banking with digital banks are keen to use services such as paying bills (84%), transferring money locally (78%), making deposits and withdrawals (76%), and making payments for purchases at local retail locations (71%). However, the preference of using digital banking for traditional bank services such as investments (52%), international transfers (48%) and loans (46%) is lower.

RDB Welcomes Most Sought After Industry Security For Asia Pacific As Its Newest Strategic Director Ricky Santillan

“The only limits are the ones you set for yourself. Dream big.” 

True to form, Ricky has managed to go beyond his limits and stretched his legs as far as they could take him in the Advertising & Marketing industry. Six countries, over ten years and countless pitches later, Ricky is sharper than ever and his hunger for more has led him back to the Philippines, where the magical journey began, back home and now with a new agency to call home - Robin des Bois (RDB). 

“I had heard of RDB and was excited to be called in to be a part of the team. Knowing that with this opportunity I would take a key role in active sustainability for brands, I did not hesitate and immediately said ‘yes!’” -Rick Santillan, RDB APAC Strategic Director

Mastercard Appoints Industry Veteran Simon Calasanz as Philippines Country Manager

Mastercard today announced the appointment of Simon Calasanz as its Country Manager for the Philippines, bringing nearly two decades of local experience in the banking and finance industry to the organization’s local leadership team.

As Country Manager, Calasanz will be focused on accelerating acceptance and usage of digital payments, especially for smaller merchants and businesses, while also expanding on Mastercard’s ongoing digital and financial inclusion initiatives in the country. Calasanz’s ‘digital-first’ business acumen and two-decades long career in the Philippines payments industry will support Mastercard to double down on work with partners in different industries. Calasanz will also focus on accelerating the uptake of contactless card payments and strengthening Mastercard’s proposition as a multi-rail payments technology company. 

“Simon is an invaluable addition to Mastercard’s leadership team in the Philippines. He brings with him unrivalled experience in the Philippines’ finance and banking sector and a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights about the intricacies of the market and consumers. Simon will support Mastercard in doubling down on efforts to build an inclusive and digitalized economy in Philippines, while enabling customers and partners to better prepare for economic recovery and growth,” said Ari Sarker, Co-President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.

The three P’s that help Christopher de Leon power through the pandemic

Here are the three Ps that have helped Christopher de Leon obtain physical, mental and financial well-being.

Prayers. Going through some of the toughest challenges in life can be a spiritual as well as physical experience for De Leon.  While confined in the hospital due to COVID-19, he said that he prayed deeply and fervently, drawing strength from Bible passages and from his family members who were praying just as intently at home.

De Leon, along with his wife Sandy, has always believed in the power of prayer. They believe that prayer is not only a source of comfort, it is also a source of strength. Praying has made their family closer, and has helped them overcome the most difficult of times.

Pru Life UK underscores women’s health with breast cancer protection

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK has launched its latest health protection product designed for the independent and empowered women in our lives, the PRUHealth Prime - Select Breast Cancer, through Pulse, the company’s all-in-one health and wellness app.

“This protection product, designed for the women in our lives, be it our mother, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, or grandmother, goes a long way for less than Php 2 a day. With it Pru Life UK underscores women’s health by giving hardworking and caring Filipinas financial protection from breast cancer, currently the most common cancer among women in the Philippines and worldwide1,” shared Pru Life UK Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga.

DiskarTech inks deal with Asialink for loans marketplace

Lending institution Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC) is now the pioneer partner of the DiskarTech financial super app for the Philippines’ first loans marketplace offered by a local universal bank.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has signed a memorandum of agreement with AFC, one of the country’s premier lenders, to forge this historic loan service partnership.

"Asialink Finance Corporation is here to provide its expertise on financing solutions for the mobile Filipino entrepreneurs and individuals who need assistance in achieving their dreams during these uncertain times through RCBC's DiskarTech app," Robert B. Jordan, AFC Chief Executive Officer, said.

Nook expands online mortgage services to Southern Luzon with Calmar Land

IN PHOTO (L-R): Arvin Chester Abreu - Head of Partnerships (Nook),
 Chris Elder - CEO (Nook), Mary Bel Calayan - President (Calmar Land),
Francis Albert Florido - COO (Calmar Land)

Online mortgage broker Nook signs a deal with developer Calmar Land to expand services in South Luzon 

Nook, the Philippines’ first online mortgage broker, has forged a partnership with Calmar Land, expanding its seamless digital solutions and services to the bustling Southern Luzon area. 

Recognizing the Filipinos’ need to explore better ways to apply for a housing loan and pay amortizations online amid the lockdown, Nook has continued to expand its services and partners outside Metro Manila. With Calmar Land, one of the leading developers based in the Quezon Province, Batangas, and Laguna, Nook is able to tap the Southern Tagalog market and offer seamless and convenient ways to get home loan approvals.  

Under the partnership, Calmar Land gains access to Nook’s partner banks, expanding their banking and loan options for their customers. At the same time, Nook will also assist over 2,000 Calmar Land clients in getting their home loan financing approved fast.