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.

UnionBank Sustains Revenue Growth Momentum in 1Q25

Unionbank of the Philippines generated P19.4 billion in revenues in the first quarter, translating to a year-on-year growth of 8.4%. Topline performance continues to be driven by a growing consumer business, expanding net interest margin, and increasing fee-based revenues.

Currently, consumer loans account for 62% of the total loan portfolio, nearly 3x higher than the industry average. This is attributed to a diversified strategy with credit cards, personal loans, and teachers’ loans exhibiting the fastest growth. The Bank’s retail client base is now at 17.6 million, providing a solid foundation for growth in the future.

Net interest margin improved by 69 basis points to 6.3% on the back of higher-margin consumer loans and lower funding costs. For the latter, the Bank benefitted from the continuous growth of its

low-cost deposits and easing monetary conditions. Furthermore, fee-based income grew 21.3% to

P3.7 billion as the larger customer base resulted in higher transactions. Fees-to-assets increased to

1.3% from 1.1% previously — one of the highest in the industry.

The strong topline performance gave the bank room to absorb the impact of one-time, tax-related

write-offs from a subsidiary and front-loaded non-recurring costs. As a result, net income is down

year-on-year to P1.4 billion in the first quarter.

“The underlying drivers of our financial performance remain solid. We continue to see substantial new client acquisitions month-on-month as well as expansion of our net interest margin and fee-based income. These indicate that the strong revenue trend will be sustained. Moreover, if we normalize for the impact of one-offs, our net income would be comparable to prior quarters. Moving forward, we expect performance to get back to this trajectory and we remain confident that we will exceed our 2024 performance,” said Manuel R. Lozano, Chief Financial Officer.

UnionBank Named Best Wealth Management Bank in the Philippines

Union Bank of the Philippines has been awarded with the Best Wealth Management Bank in the Philippines, at the 2025 Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards of The Asian Banker held last February in Tokyo Japan. A testament to its strategic vision, innovative wealth solutions, and unwavering commitment to financial excellence, this accolade underscores UnionBank’s success in redefining the wealth management landscape through digital innovation, strategic acquisitions, and customer-centric investment solutions.

Setting a New Benchmark in Wealth Management

“UnionBank has strengthened its affluent banking proposition by seamlessly integrating the acquired Citi wealth business, further enhancing its ability to serve a diverse spectrum of wealth clients. From emerging affluent individuals to high-net-worth investors, the bank has introduced a transformative approach to wealth management, providing tailored solutions that cater to clients’ evolving financial needs.” read The Asian Banker’s citation at the 2025 Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards held in Tokyo Japan last February 2025. “For its successful integration of acquired expertise, relentless commitment to financial innovation, and dedication to delivering sophisticated wealth solutions, UnionBank is honored with the title of Best Wealth Management Bank in the Philippines. This recognition reflects the bank’s mission to empower Filipinos in achieving their financial goals through world-class wealth management services.”

Introducing Elite and Access: A New Era in Wealth Solutions

A key milestone in UnionBank’s wealth management evolution is the launch of Elite and Access, two pioneering programs designed to provide tiered wealth solutions:

• Access is tailored for emerging affluent clients, offering seamless digital wealth tools and an extensive suite of investment products.

• Elite is designed for high-net-worth investors, delivering bespoke financial planning, exclusive global investment opportunities, and dedicated relationship management.

These programs redefine financial accessibility and personalization, ensuring that clients receive the right level of support, expertise, and product offerings based on their financial standing and aspirations.

“We thank The Asian Banker for recognizing our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and, most importantly, our clients. At UnionBank wealth management is about building trust, securing futures, and creating opportunities.” said   UnionBank Wealth and Brokerage Head and Board Director of UB Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. (UFSI), Therese Chan.

“The strategies we craft and solution we provide are driven by our dedication to helping our clients achieve their financial goals. We remain committed to setting new standards in wealth management and empowering more people to build a stronger financial future.” continued Ms Chan.

UnionBank’s ability to serve a diverse spectrum of wealth clients is further bolstered by its world-class Wealth Center, which was unveiled to the media on the same day it received the prestigious Asian Banker Award.

 

Digital Innovation Meets Global Investment Access

 UnionBank continues to lead the industry with its enhanced digital wealth platform, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios with global investment products—without the need for offshore accounts. This innovation ensures that clients can securely access a world of investment opportunities from the convenience of a seamless, digital-first banking experience.

By blending cutting-edge technology with highly personalized advisory services, UnionBank has solidified its position as the preferred financial partner for wealth clients across the Philippines. The bank’s dedication to innovation, accessibility, and global investment integration has set a new gold standard in the country’s wealth management sector.

As UnionBank continues to drive financial excellence and innovation, it remains steadfast in its vision to elevate wealth management in the Philippines—paving the way for a smarter, more inclusive financial future to help clients build, grow, and protect their wealth. To learn more about UnionBank Elite, visit www.unionbankph.com/wealth/elite or email ubwealth@unionbankph.com.

UnionBank champions AI-driven future at inaugural SONAI 2025

 At the Philippine Global AI Council’s “State of the Nation in AI (SONAI)” congress, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) showcased its leadership in AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and strengthen cybersecurity.

SONAI 2025 gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to shape a national AI strategy for global competitiveness. Global AI Council founder Kate Hancock emphasized the need for AI education and accessibility to prevent disparities in the digital era.

UnionBank’s AI Center of Excellence head, Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, highlighted the Bank’s customer-centric approach and the potential of AI to enhance and augment cybersecurity measures. “Currently, we are using AI to analyze our customers’ transactional behavior so that we can catch early on any suspicious activity. This also helps increase operational efficiency by giving us insights around process optimization. For example, there can be so many false positives in suspicious transaction reporting, but because we have an AI model in place, we’ve brought these findings down significantly. This gives investigators more time to focus on the real critical cases.”

“Choosing not to move forward and adopt AI will not stop bad actors from using that technology for their own means. So for us, we anticipate, adapt, learn about AI and its advancements, and wield it proactively,” concluded Dr. Heinrich as she stressed how AI is transforming, not eliminating, jobs—similar to how ATMs initially and mobile apps eventually reshaped banking roles.

Dr. Donald Lim, President of Global AI Council Philippines, urged the country to lead in AI adoption rather than just be users. Global AI Council Philippines Chairman Brian Poe Llamanzares reinforced the importance of AI in driving economic growth and ensuring the country remains competitive.

UnionBank remains committed to responsible AI adoption, championing ethical and inclusive technological advancements that drive security, innovation, and economic progress.

For more information on UnionBank’s next-generation banking initiatives and its commitment to AI-driven innovation, visit the UnionBank website at www.unionbankph.com, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. For any concerns, you can contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas  https://www.bsp.gov.ph.

UnionBank powers up SMEs through tech-driven banking solutions at this year’s Soiree By Retail Lab

 UnionBank, a champion for empowering Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), has partnered with By Retail Lab, a multi-brand lifestyle store that spotlights Filipino-owned small businesses, for Soiree By Retail Lab, the largest holiday fair in the Philippines.

Scheduled for December 6 to 8 and 14 to 15, 2024, at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City, this pre-Christmas event will feature over 170 merchants, celebrating the ingenuity and creativity of Filipino-owned businesses. UnionBank’s presence through its UB Negosyante program is meant to enhance participating businesses by helping them thrive in the increasingly tech-driven economy.

“UnionBank’s goal is to give Filipino entrepreneurs the “Power to Grow” by offering simple, accessible financial solutions tailored to their needs. This makes it easier for their customers to support local merchants,” said Dino Velasco, UnionBank’s Head of Institutional Segment Marketing.  “Through the collaboration with Soiree, we are able to support businesses that form the backbone of the economy with forward-thinking practices one segment at a time.”

Soiree By Retail Lab provides entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products while promoting a culture of shopping local. Through this partnership with UB Negosyante, shoppers will enjoy the convenience of cashless payments while the SMEs benefit from tools that streamline their financial processes and help them remain competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment.

UnionBank has a wide array of tools designed to empower businesses and address their unique challenges. The UnionBank BizStarter checking account lowers barriers to banking by requiring an initial deposit of just Php 5,000, making it accessible for small business owners. With the account is the ability to use the UB Negosyante App, an all-in-one mobile platform that allows entrepreneurs to manage, pay, and collect funds seamlessly, with QRPH code generation for efficient payment collection—essential for dynamic marketplaces like Soiree.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are resilient and resourceful, and our role is to provide the support they need to achieve their full potential,” Velasco said. “UnionBank is proud to stand alongside these businesses, helping them flourish and contribute to a brighter future for all.”  

With UnionBank’s innovative solutions and By Retail Lab’s dedication to uplifting local entrepreneurs, this year’s holiday fair is set to be more than just a shopping event—it’s a platform for progress, partnerships, and endless possibilities.

For more information on UnionBank’s efforts and offerings for SMEs, visit the UnionBank website at  https://www.unionbankph.com/msme, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas https://www.bsp.gov.ph.

UnionBank named ‘Marketing Team of the Year’ at Marketech APAC Awards 2024, championing customer-centric banking

 At the 2024 Marketech APAC Marketing Technology Awards held recently in Singapore, UnionBank’s groundbreaking approach to fulfilling customer experiences through their digital transformation has been recognized yet again. MARKETECH APAC a regional marketing-centric media company that aims to create an ecosystem for all marketing industry stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region, awarded UnionBank with “Marketing Team of the Year,” while its Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Albert C. Cuadrante, was named “Chief Marketing Officer of the Year”.

 "Union Bank’s win at the Marketing Technology Awards 2024 is a testament to their innovative approach to marketing and their ability to compete with leading APAC organizations. By leveraging marketing technology and data-driven insights, they've successfully differentiated themselves and driven significant business growth,” said MARKETECH APAC Founder & CEO, Joven Barceñas. 

“This recognition underscores UnionBank’s dedication to putting the customer front and center in all our initiatives. The marketing team has constantly worked on deeply understanding our customers' needs, frustrations, preferences, and behaviors, to transform their insights into actionable strategies that resonate with those we serve.” Cuadrante said. “The team works even harder to build campaigns to leverage on digital tools and technology to deliver personalized, delightful experiences as we set a new standard for how we engage and connect with our customers.”

Cuadrante’s recognition as “Chief Marketing Officer of the Year” highlights his impact in aligning UnionBank’s services with customer expectations. Cuadrante’s efforts have driven a 22% increase in brand value over the past year by blending technology with customer insights, resulting in a secure and accessible digital banking experience.

The “Marketing Team of the Year” and “CMO of the Year” wins cap of an exceptional year for UnionBank as it started 2024 as the first bank in decades to win a “Marketing Company of the Year” honor at the 42nd Agora awards.  These awards, are a testament to UnionBank’s dedication to creating transformative, customer-focused banking experiences. 

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas https://www.bsp.gov.ph. For more information on UnionBank’s innovations and initiatives that meet the evolving needs of everyday customers, visit the UnionBank website at www.unionbankph.com, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube.

Revolutionizing banking: UnionBank leads the charge in AI-driven Customer Experience at DigiCon 2024

 UnionBank, a leader and pioneer in digital banking, shared its expertise on transforming customer experience with AI and innovation at the 9th annual Digital Congress (DigiCon) held last October 2024 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Metro Manila.

 Organized by the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), this year’s DigiCon, with the theme “REVOLUTION”, brought together industry leaders, digital innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the power of technology in reshaping marketing and customer experience. Ana Delgado, UnionBank’s Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking, took to the stage as a keynote speaker, delivering valuable insights in her talk “AI to Fly: Changing the Way We Bank in an AI-Driven World”.

 Delgado emphasized UnionBank’s commitment to providing hyper-personalized banking, focused on creating experiences that align with the unique needs of its expanding customer base of over 15 million. “Our goal is to leverage technology to offer our customers meaningful interactions that enhance their experiences alongside our exceptional team,” she added.

She urged people to view AI using a different lens—not as an automated intelligence that does not require any human intervention, but instead as an assistive intelligence that can be used by people to support decision-making.  “The true value of AI doesn’t lie in what it can do, but rather in how we’re going to leverage it to deliver meaningful customer experiences, whatever industry you work in.”

The congress provided a platform for thought leaders and innovators to discuss emerging trends, share insights, and foster collaboration. Topics ranged from digital transformation strategies to the impact of AI on customer engagement, reinforcing the need for businesses to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas https://www.bsp.gov.ph.  For more information on UnionBank, you can contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600 or visit the website at www.unionbankph.com, and follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube.

UnionBank and Mercury Drug Launch the New UnionBank Mercury Credit Card: The Ultimate Health and Wellness Credit Card

 UnionBank and Mercury Drug launched the new UnionBank Mercury Credit Card - a one-of-a-kind credit card designed to reward consumers for prioritizing their health and wellness.

The card was unveiled at an exclusive event last October 18, 2024, at Grand Hyatt Hotel. Guests were treated to a slew of activities like indoor cycling and yoga classes, as well as an

ON runway show, which featured Swiss-engineered performance running shoes and apparel. With the new UnionBank Mercury Credit Card, users are not only encouraged to stay on top of their health, but also to be rewarded for it.

Manoj Varma, Consumer Banking Head of UnionBank of the Philippines, described the card as a groundbreaking financial product that stands out in the market. “This isn’t just another rewards card. The UnionBank Mercury Card is designed to meet the growing demand for wellness-oriented financial tools, and it does so with unparalleled value”.

The new UnionBank Mercury Credit Card was completely reimagined to cater to a new generation of health- conscious consumers. The new modern design, featuring the iconic "Mercury Man," makes it not only visually appealing but symbolic of Mercury Drug’s decades-long commitment to promoting health and well-being.

Vivian Azcona, President of Mercury Drug, shared her excitement about the partnership, noting that this card is more than a financial tool — it's a symbol of Mercury Drug's commitment to helping Filipinos lead healthier lives. “The UnionBank Mercury Card is designed to empower our customers to make healthier choices while being rewarded for it. It truly aligns with Mercury Drug’s vision of promoting health and wellness for all Filipinos,” she said.

The UnionBank Mercury Credit Card is the country’s first card dedicated to rewarding health and wellness and comes with these best-in-class benefits:

5X Rewards Points: A Market-First for Health and Wellness Spend. What sets the UnionBank Mercury Credit Card apart from any other card in the market is its unprecedented 5X rewards points on all health and wellness- related purchases — a benefit no other card currently offers. Whether consumers are buying medicines, vitamins, supplements, fitness gear, or paying for gym memberships and medical services, the card rewards their dedication to a healthy lifestyle by maximizing every peso spent in these categories.

No Annual Fees and Essential Health Perks. In addition to the points, the card offers no annual fees for life. Plus, cardholders will enjoy free annual physical exams and ambulance services every year.

The launch of this card marks a new chapter in the evolving partnership between UnionBank and Mercury Drug, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing the lives of Filipinos through innovative financial solutions that support health and wellness goals.

Now’s the time to take charge of your well-being and your finances. Apply today and start earning rewards for living healthier! Apply thru this link  https://unionbankph.com/r/5xhnw.

When you stay well, U Experience More with the new UnionBank Mercury Credit Card.

Shop and dine with your UnionBank Visa Credit Card and win up to 1 MILLION in cashback!

 Calling all UnionBank credit card users! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to win big in the UnionBank Visa Cashback Raffle. UnionBank is giving away up to P1 million in cashback credits, with over 7,000 winners!

Here’s how you can get a chance to win:

• Simply shop or dine, locally or abroad, using your UnionBank Visa Credit Card.
• For every P1,000 accumulated spend at participating merchants, you'll earn one (1) raffle entry.
• Prizes include cashback credits of P1,000, P100,000, and a P1 million grand prize!

The promo runs until September 30, 2024, with the grand draw on October 14, 2024.

Don’t wait! Visit the UnionBank Credit Cards page to learn more about the promo and check out the full mechanics. For any inquiries, reach out to UnionBank’s Customer Service at (+632) 8841-8600 or visit www.unionbankph.com.

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

UnionBank Xcellerator Program ‘techs-up’ DLS-CSB with launch of ‘Innovation Garage’

 As the world continues to digitize, future-proofing the next generation of talent has become more important than ever. To help ensure that their skillsets will have a place in a world that is increasingly becoming more digital, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has been at the forefront of empowering Filipinos to become more future-proofed through education and knowledge-sharing, in line with its "Tech-Up Pilipinas" advocacy.

UnionBank, through its UBPXcellerator Program led by the Bank's Human Resources team, has crossed another milestone in its advocacy of "teching-up" Filipinos with the launch of the UB Innovation Garage in partnership with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Located at The Atrium DLS-CSB Campus, the Innovation Garage is a learning facility where students can learn from experts and gain knowledge on topics ranging from emerging technologies to management skills and design thinking and everything in between, so they can thrive professionally in the digital world.

As part of the partnership, DLS-CSB and experts from UnionBank's learning and development team will be running the classes to be conducted in the Innovation Garage. UnionBank's Human Resources team will also work with DLS-CSB for student mentorship opportunities and placements, and even help top-performing students become part of the UnionBank family as professionals, where they can further improve their knowledge and skills.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the learning facility last July 17, UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista said that when the Bank was looking for a partner for the Innovation Garage, DLS-CSB was a clear candidate as the school was a popular choice among students looking to get into creative and/or digital-leaning careers.

"With the innate creativity of the Filipinos, we could be among the best in Southeast Asia if not the world, and this is one area where we can compete with the very best. And so, when we thought about who we can help, DLS-CSB felt like a natural choice," Bautista said. "I hope that with this [Innovation Garage], you can be the Center of Excellence not just for the La Sallian schools, but a Center of Excellence for the country."

The launch of the Innovation Garage is the latest development in UnionBank and DLS-CSB's long-running partnership that started in 2018. Other notable efforts borne from the partnership include numerous Xcellerator courses offered to DLS-CSB students, as well as an elective in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence inspired by UnionBank's participation at the Singapore Fintech Festival.

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas https://www.bsp.gov.ph. For any concerns, you can contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600 or you may visit www.unionbankph.com.