Deanno J. Basas Appointed President of UBIMTC Following ATRAM and UnionBank Strategic Partnership

Following the formalization of the strategic partnership between ATRAM Group (ATRAM) and  Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) last May 8, 2025, Deanno J. Basas was appointed as  President of UnionBank Investment Management and Trust Corporation (UBIMTC) by the UBIMTC  Board of Directors. He will concurrently remain as the Chief Experience Officer of ATRAM Trust  Corporation (ATC), the trust and fiduciary services entity of the ATRAM. 

Prior to this appointment, Basas held the position of President at ATC until 2022 and subsequently  led ATRAM Digital as CEO, where he spearheaded the company's digital transformation. He brings  over 30 years of local and international experience in treasury trading and asset management to  his new role. 

The appointment follows the approval of the following transactions by the Monetary Board of  the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in April 2025: 

• UnionBank will acquire a 27.5% equity stake in ATR Asset Management, Inc. (AAMI),  ATRAM's mutual fund management arm. 

• AAMI will acquire 100% ownership of UBIMTC, UnionBank’s wholly owned subsidiary for  investment management and trust services. 

These transactions pave the way for the proposed merger of UBIMTC and ATC, subject to further  regulatory approvals, with ATC as the surviving entity. The timeline for the merger is yet to be  finalized. 

This strategic partnership leverages UnionBank’s advanced digital capabilities and ATRAM’s deep  wealth management expertise. The collaboration aims to enhance financial solutions, broaden  access to investment opportunities, and foster greater financial inclusion across the Philippines. 

Updates regarding significant developments will be released as they become available. For official  updates, please visit www.atram.com.ph and www.unionbankph.com.

 

UBX Amps Up Capabilities Tailored for Large Enterprises

UBX, the fintech arm of Union Bank of the Philippines, is accelerating its drive for large-scale digital transformation—expanding its capabilities to empower enterprises and government agencies across the country. As a premier technology company, UBX is sharpening its focus on delivering high-impact, customized solutions tailored to the complex needs of large organizations.

Through strategic affiliations with Union Bank of the Philippines and Japan’s SBI Holdings, UBX leverages on a formidable combination of local expertise and global capabilities, underscoring its dedication to large-scale digital transformation.

"With our intensified focus on enterprises, UBX is uniquely positioned to leverage the strengths and experience of UnionBank, one of the country's top universal banks, and SBI Holdings, a pioneer of internet-based financial services in Japan. This gives us unparalleled expertise in the fintech landscape to serve leading organizations in the Philippines," stated John Januszczak, UBX President and CEO.

UBX’s approach goes beyond simply implementing financial technologies; UBX acts as a strategic partner, working closely with clients to understand their needs and develop customized roadmaps for digital transformation. This includes guidance on technology adoption, seamless implementation, service management, and access to skilled professionals.

UBX's impact extends to the public sector, where it collaborates with government agencies to modernize processes using the right technology.

“The mission ahead is for UBX to evolve into a next-gen fintech and technology company, which means UBX will be the preferred partner for digital transformation in the country,” said UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz-Delgado.

Within the Aboitiz Group, UBX drives innovation and creates valuable synergies across the conglomerate and its affiliates.

"UBX is strengthening its role within the Aboitiz Group, delivering strategic digital solutions across industries." shared Jose Emmanuel "Toto" Hilado, AEV Group Chief Financial Officer, who is also the new Chairman of the Board at UBX.

UBX delivers end-to-end digital transformation services, from planning to implementation, along with fintech solutions for payments, lending, and banking-as-a-service.

SBI Holdings acquires minority stake in UBX to boost digital transformation in the Philippines

SBI Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based financial services conglomerate, has acquired a minority stake in UBX, a proponent of digital transformation in the Philippines, allowing both parties to collaborate in developing more impactful digital transformation solutions tailored for the needs of enterprises.

UBX will leverage the new capital to expand its footprint and develop advanced financial and digital transformation solutions tailored to meet the increasing demand for digital services in the Philippines.

“We see immense potential in the Philippine market, one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Our investment in UBX reflects our belief and confidence in UnionBank’s innovative approach to digital transformation,” SBI Holdings President Yoshitaka Kitao said.

“The investment of SBI Holdings in UBX will allow us to combine our local expertise and digital transformation capabilities with SBI's vast experience in digital finance to develop more impactful and scalable solutions for the Philippine market,” UBX President & CEO

John Januszczak said.

“The SBI partnership will drive new and exciting financial technology innovation for inclusivity and nation building,” Global Chief Technology Officer Mario Domingo said.

The partnership between UBX and SBI Holdings will also foster a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise, strengthening UBX’s position as a digital transformation leader while opening new opportunities for SBI Holdings to explore more business

opportunities in the burgeoning Philippine market.

To learn more about UBX, please visit https://ubx.ph/ 

UnionBank Rides with Purpose as Platinum Sponsor of the Harley Owners Group Manila Chapter's "PH Ride with Purpose"

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) proudly joins the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Manila Chapter Philippines as a platinum sponsor for this year's "PH Ride with Purpose," which will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport on June 24th and 25th to commemorate the HOG Manila Chapter's tenth anniversary.

"PH Ride with Purpose" brings together recreational cyclists around the country, building friendship and establishing social relationships while promoting local tourism, community empowerment, and environmental conservation. These ideals are ideally aligned with UnionBank's continuing charitable initiatives, making the bank a proud supporter of this program.

The event this year intends to promote Subic Bay Freeport as a leading motorcycle tourism destination, hence benefiting the local economy. Attendees will get a taste of the exhilarating "ride and live free lifestyle" with activities including motorcycle test drives, bike washes, and safe riding skills training. These events not only emphasize the area's different tourism regions and local delicacies, but also UnionBank's dedication to improving the entire event experience.

"We're really grateful to UnionBank for trusting HOG Manila as a partner to share our vision and to help in nation building. By supporting us on this event, they are also helping our eco-park and many of our other social responsibility projects," said HOG Manila Chapter President and Director Yen Roxas, "Hopefully, this is a good start for us, especially since we are both aligned in our vision."

Riders from all backgrounds are welcome to join the two-day event, which includes live performances by legendary Philippine hard rock bands, The Breed and Razorback with Basti Artadi, as well as sets by DJ Bia, which promises to keep the energy high throughout the event.

 Proceeds from the event will support HOG Manila Chapter's social responsibility projects, including the Daang Kalikasan Eco-Park. This co-development initiative with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources aims to enhance the five-hectare National Greening Program plantation in Barangay Muelang, Mangatarem, Pangasinan, by planting and nurturing trees. UnionBank's event sponsorship underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

The "PH Ride with Purpose" event is just one of HOG Manila Chapter Philippines' many social responsibility projects. As a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious riding club formed by owners of Harley-Davidson bikes, the group actively promotes responsible and safe motorcycle riding while boosting the local economy through motorcycle tourism. UnionBank recognizes the importance of these initiatives and is honored to collaborate with HOG Manila in driving positive change for the nation.

By participating in the "PH Ride with Purpose" event, riders can discover UnionBank's tailored financial products designed to support their specific needs. As a reliable financial partner, UnionBank caters to individuals who embrace an active leisure lifestyle, ensuring they can easily pursue their passion for riding.

Asialink partners with UBX to digitalize the finance industry

Asialink Finance Corp. expands and improves its suite of financial services for the benefit of millions of Filipinos, UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has been named the official technology partner. Asialink Finance Corp. is one of the leading non-bank financial institutions in the Philippines that provides secured business loans, personal financing and refinancing products nationwide. 

UBX will assist Asialink in digitally modernizing its lending operations with UBX SeekCap and payment collections, allowing it to extend the scope and operational efficiency of its already profitable lending company.

“UBX and Asialink share the same goal of driving financial inclusion not only for individuals but also for growing businesses. Through this partnership, we will co-create various digital financial solutions that are sustainable and inclusive, promoting economic growth and recovery in the long run,” UBX Business lead for Lending Magelllan Fetalino said.

 

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up around 99.51 percent of all businesses in the Philippines. Traditionally, these businesses have no access to financing to grow due to the stringent requirements imposed by banking institutions. The partners aim to further democratize access to this financial tool to empower small businesses to accelerate their growth and contribute even more to the economy.

 

The UBX and Asialink partnership will simplify the processing of business loans through a digital platform, cutting down the costs and lead approval time for loans. At present, most banks provide a minimum approval time of 30 days, with high-interest rates and burdensome requirements which are designed to discourage lenders from availing loans.

 

“Asialink’s vision is to be at the forefront of the financing industry, by providing inclusive financial access to MSMEs and their Communities, in the Philippines and Asia, a goal that we share with UBX. By providing accessible, fast, and convenient loans which will be powered with UBX’s technologies, we are several steps closer towards achieving our goals as strong government partners for economic growth, while making a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos both in the country and abroad,” said Eillen B. Mangubat, President and COO of Asialink Finance Corporation

 

In 2022, UBX doubled down on collaborations with various players in different industries such as the metaverse, insurance, the women’s sector, and even government institutions to advance its goal of including everyone.

 

“Our strategy is to join hands with like-minded organizations to advance our goal of inclusive finance. As the country’s leading open finance platform, we are always on the lookout to partner with companies–and recently, even government institutions–which aim to shape the future of finance and sustainability,” UBX President and CEO John Januszczak

UBX provides digital payment collection for AboitizPower's mobile app

UnionBank of the Philippines' UBX, the leading Open Finance platform in the Philippines, is powering the mobile app of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), one of the country's largest retail electricity companies, integrating digital payments to provide greater convenience to customers of the latter's distribution utilities. 

Under the terms of the deal, AboitizPower will include BUx, an all-in-one payment solution platform developed by UBX, into its mobile application, MobileAP. The software is offered to customers of AP distribution companies like as Visayan Electric Company, Davao Light and Power Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company, and the Subic and Lima EnerZones.

Through this integration, customers will be able to pay their electricity bills online, providing greater convenience by removing the long process of heading to service centers to settle their monthly dues. Moreover, MobileAP empowers customers to remotely check their electricity bill for the past 12 months without going to outposts to check their status or waiting for the physical copy via mail.

 

“UBX and AP share a steadfast commitment to promoting inclusion by providing wider access to services – be it finance or power. Our partnership, which leverages UBX’s open finance technology, brings this goal forward and provides customers the value of greater convenience,” UBX Managing Director for Open Finance Jaime Garchitorena said.

 

As the country’s leading all-in-one payment solutions, BUx unifies everything about payment collection channels into one platform: from card payments, online banking or bank transfers, and over-the-counter payments to e-wallets. With BUx, businesses can track all their transactions through real-time updates and notifications of credited funds through its best-in-class merchant dashboard.

 

“The future of our economy lies in digital payments. No less, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made it a mission to have 70 percent of Filipino adults involved in the financial system by transforming 50 percent of the total volume of retail payments into digital. By collaborating with different industry players, we are helping the government achieve that goal,” Garchitorena added.

 

For download for both Apple and iOS devices, users can assess their power consumption and its monetary value through a chart tailored to their profile. They can download a PDF copy of their records with AP and manage multiple accounts in a single app.

 

MobileAP also features additional functions such as multiple DU registration, notifications and advisories, payment and consumption monitoring, payment center and service center look-up, and more to come, such as outage reporting.

 

“Thanks to UBX, we can bolster MobileAP by making it a one-stop app where our subscribers can do everything from getting updates about our services to checking their billing information to bill payment. Aside from improving their convenience, we honor our customers’ trust by providing them with transparency that only BUx, as a payments solution, can provide,” said Arnold Villanueva, AP Distribution Utilities Assistant Vice President, and Bills-to-Cash Head

 

AP is one of the largest electricity providers in the country with a balanced mix portfolio of power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. The company’s mission is to provide reliable energy at reasonable prices while pursuing sustainable solutions to help reduce the adverse effects on the environment.