Marking 30 years of dedicated service, EastWest eagerly anticipates its year-long celebration commencing this August. As the banking arm of Filinvest Development Corporation, one of the country’s leading conglomerates with interests in real estate, hospitality and tourism, power generation and sugar, the Bank proudly carries on the Gotianun legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, integrity, and innovation to create banking solutions for its diverse clientele.
Looking back, its journey over the past three decades highlights its blend of the traditional warmth of the East and the forward-thinking mindset of the West. Founded in 1994, EastWest Bank has grown to become one of the Philippines’ leading universal banks, known for its customer-centric approach and innovative financial solutions, helping countless Filipinos achieve their financial goals.
“EastWest Bank’s journey over the past 30 years has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are proud of our legacy and look forward to further enhancing the financial well-being of our clients through our innovative banking solutions,” mentioned Jacqueline S. Fernandez, President of EastWest.
As a testament to the Bank’s continuous improvement, EastWest Bank was recognized by several award-giving bodies for its excellence in digital banking and customer service, including:
2024:
- Best Private Bank (EastWest Priority) by Global Finance Magazine
- Best Wealth Manager – Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards
- Outstanding Digital CX in Banking App Platform (Komo) at The Digital Banker’s Digital CX Awards
- Outstanding Digital CX Transformation in Insurance (EastWest Ageas) at The Digital Banker’s Digital CX Awards
- Mobile Banking & Payment Initiative of the Year – Philippines (ESTA) from Asian Banking and Finance
2023:
- Best Credit Card Philippines (EastWest JCB) by The Asian Banker
- Best Priority Banking Experience (EastWest Priority) at the International Finance Magazine (IFM) Awards
2022:
- Best CSR Initiative (Magenta Race) from The Digital Banker
The Bank’s year-long 30th Anniversary celebration will be marked by several key activities:
- Launch of the New EasyWay App
As EastWest marks its 30th Anniversary, the Bank is thrilled to announce a new campaign for its digital banking platform, EasyWay. This platform redefines banking for its retail customers, making it more seamless and convenient than ever. Partnering with actor Donny Pangilinan as the face of EasyWay, the campaign emphasizes simplicity and efficiency for the digital-savvy market. The key message, ‘Sit, Bank, and Relax,’ highlights the easy and stress-free experience of banking from your phone. EastWest believes this will not only increase brand visibility and service awareness but also encourage potential customers to bank with them.
“Our 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past achievements, but also a reaffirmation of our promise to continuous improvement and innovation. The launch of EasyWay and our upcoming initiatives for our channels, both physical and digital, are just the beginning of many exciting developments to come,” emphasized Jerry G. Ngo, EastWest CEO.
- Digital Innovation and Enhanced Services
Part of its ongoing commitment to innovation is to highlight its latest digital initiatives aimed at making banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. These initiatives include EastWest System Tech Assistant (ESTA), EW Pay, Komo, the launch of EasyBiz and EastWest Business Class, and the brand awareness campaign of EastWest Ageas.
ESTA provides full-service functionality equivalent to a mobile app or web portal for EastWest credit card services, with several enhanced features. Users can access real-time transaction and balance displays, view unbilled, current, and historical transactions, and request limit increases, supplementary cards, and points redemption. Additionally, they can lock and unlock accounts in real-time for security purposes, fulfill installment conversions immediately, and update customer information on the spot. The platform also allows for promotions search and display, submission of customer service support tickets with two-way capability, and querying of EastWest credit card product features and related information through ChatGPT.
EastWest Pay allows EastWest VISA credit cardholders to transact contactless at merchant point-of-sale “POS” terminals using their NFC-capable Android mobile phone instead of their plastic credit cards.
Komo is an exclusively digital banking service powered by EastWest Rural Bank, allowing customers to open and manage their accounts completely online. This means that there are no physical Stores, and everything from account opening to card blocking can be done using the mobile app.
EasyBiz is an innovative solution designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing business owners with tools and resources for effective financial management, including accounting, invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking, enabling them to focus on growing their businesses.
EastWest Bank’s new Business Class segment, tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners, offers a range of perks designed to elevate their experiences and allow them to focus on the personal aspects of their day-to-day lives while EastWest handles the routine operations of their businesses. This segment provides personalized services through dedicated relationship officers and priority service in EastWest Stores. Entrepreneurs can benefit from special cash management services, including payroll processing, automated payments, and check collection. Additionally, exclusive perks such as discounted deals at restaurants and coffee shops, and preferential rates at sports centers and golf courses are available.
EastWest Ageas is the joint venture between Ageas, a leading international insurance group from Belgium, and EastWest Bank. This year marks a double celebration as Ageas, its parent company, celebrates its 200th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, EastWest Ageas is launching the “What’s Your Purple?” campaign, focusing on brand awareness, memorability, and differentiation. The campaign emphasizes that EastWest Ageas is a PURpose-driven and PeoPLE-centered (Pur-Ple) company, aligning with its core values and dedication to its customers.
- Exclusive VIP Events Across the Philippines
To honor and show gratitude to EastWest’s valued clients, the Bank will host exclusive VIP events in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. As a Filipino company for Filipinos, these gatherings will offer clients a unique networking opportunity with EastWest executives and partners, featuring local talent, cuisine, and art to celebrate its shared success through the years.
- Wellness Initiatives to Elevate Lifestyles
More than just empowering clients financially, EastWest ensures the overall well-being of its valued customers. Promoting wellness is a key part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, and to encourage health and wellness, EastWest is organizing a marathon open to all in partnership with RunRio, along with exclusive golf tournaments for its affluent customers.
This series of events kicked off with the Bank’s Golf Invitational at Mimosa Plus last May 31 2024, marking the beginning of a series of engaging activities. These initiatives are designed to provide a platform for clients to enjoy and participate in various wellness activities, fostering a sense of community and well-being. Through these events, EastWest aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle while offering unique experiences for all its clients.
- EastWest and the Community
Continuing its dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), EastWest Bank is actively partnering with the Kasuso Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing support and resources for breast cancer patients and survivors. It aims to enhance awareness, offer necessary medical assistance, and support the emotional well-being of those affected by breast cancer.
EastWest Bank received positive feedback for its partnership with the Kasuso Foundation, particularly the Magenta Race, where proceeds from running and cycling competitions were donated. This initiative is part of EastWest’s broader aim to giving back to the community. In addition, during the Bank’s first Golf Invitational last May, the proceeds from collecting mulligans were donated to the Kasuso Foundation. This contribution highlights EastWest Bank’s dedication to charitable causes and improving the lives of individuals in the community.
- Commitment to Education
EastWest Bank’s Employee Relations Council (ERC) and its volunteers recently conducted their annual Brigada Eskwela outreach at Baguio Central School during the enrollment period. The initiative included a financial literacy workshop for teachers and parents and the distribution of school supplies to students. This effort is proof of the Bank’s dedication to community and education. The team also visited EastWest Stores to assess employee well-being and store conditions, demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to both its workforce and the community. The Bank’s support for education extends beyond community outreach, as demonstrated by EastWest Rural Bank’s Teachers’ Loan. It exemplifies its focus on education, offering educators a financial solution with competitive rates and flexible terms. With loan amounts up to P1 million, this program supports educational expenses, personal needs, and professional development. The easy application process, fast approval, and minimal requirements make it a convenient option, positioning EastWest Rural Bank as a trusted partner in helping educators achieve their goals.
Looking ahead, EastWest plans to expand its social responsibility efforts by launching more projects and collaborating with additional charitable organizations. By engaging in diverse initiatives, EastWest Bank aims to broaden its impact and continue making meaningful contributions to society.
- Exclusive Promos for EastWest clients
Credit Cards
EastWest Bank is excited to announce a series of exclusive promotions for its credit card customers as the second half of the year begins. EastWest credit cardholders can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on dining and leisure experiences at top establishments both within and outside Metro Manila. Whether dining at California Pizza Kitchen, North Park, Admiral Club Manila Bay, or Firehouse Pizza at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila, customers can take advantage of substantial savings that elevate their dining experiences without straining their budget. In Cebu, additional discounts are available at AKA by Naoki Eguchi at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Chikaan sa Cebu, Puso Bistro and Bar, and The Abalone at Jpark Island Resort. In Davao, special rates and discounts are offered at Acacia Hotel, Apo View Hotel, Club Samal Resort, and Park Inn by Radisson. Additionally, from August 1 to 31, 2024, cardholders can enjoy Php 7 off per liter on all Euro 5 fuels at Unioil, making road trips more affordable with this exclusive fuel discount. With these offers, EastWest Bank ensures that its cardholders can access exceptional deals no matter where they are in the Philippines.
Deposits
The Bank is offering up to 130,000 miles to its Super Saver and Super Checking account holders, and up to 300,000 miles for EastWest Priority clients through incremental growth in their Month-to-Date Average Daily Balance (MTD-ADB). Customers can earn Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles for every Php 500,000 in incremental MTD-ADB growth in their accounts. The promo runs until August 31, 2024, and availment can be made by visiting the nearest EastWest Store or contacting their EastWest Priority Relationship Manager.
- Store Upgrades for a Better Customer Experience
EastWest is excited to announce the revitalization of its stores, with the Beaufort Store leading the way as the first to showcase these exciting changes. This strategic move marks the beginning of a comprehensive plan to elevate EastWest Stores in flagship locations, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to excellence and innovation. This transformative process will not only enable EastWest to deliver immersive services to its clients but also play a crucial role in empowering customers to shape their financial future with a personalized touch.
EastWest Bank Going Further for the Philippines
“As we celebrate 30 years of service, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering Filipinos through innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service. Our efforts are proof to our dedication to fostering financial empowerment and creating a brighter future for all,” said Chairman Jonathan T. Gotianun, in anticipation of what is sure to be an eventful year ahead.
EastWest Bank continues to innovate and deliver outstanding banking solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its customers. As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, the bank’s commitment to providing valuable rewards and superior service remains at the forefront of all initiatives.
Join the Bank in celebrating this milestone and discover more ways EastWest Bank can enhance your financial and lifestyle experiences.