BPI is aiming to increase the number of users of its digital channels from 31% to 40% by the end of the year. The Bank of the Philippines Islands sets a mark for the bank to push for greater financial inclusion in the Davao region for 2019.
Increasing the promotion of clients using digital channels will spread the benefits of digitalization to the under-served and unbanked as well as allow the bank to engage, empower, and enhance client experience. – Cezar P. Consing, BPI President and CEO
Mr. Consing added that “Digial financial inclusion captures the essence of what we are trying to do, as we aim to be the most financially inclusive of the Philippine banks.”
It’s a combination of ‘high-tech and high touch’. It will be ‘high touch’ in the branches where we want to engage clients in real conversations regarding their financial matters. While for every day banking, we want to shift them to high tech, meaning our online facilities and mobile app, said Mr. Consing
Many still prefer traditional banking in Mindanao where people visit the branch and carry cash. Bank transfers or deposits and bills payments are two of the most frequent transactions in the branches. Transactions which can be done much more conveniently and securely through the online portal or mobile app.
The branches and the digital channels will complement each other to deliver enhanced customer experience. – Mr. Ramon Jocson, BPI COO
Mr. Jocson added that “We want our clients to go digital and experience efficient, friction-less transactions between digital channels and the branches. It will empower clients and, at the same time, allow us to be more attuned to their needs, able to offer relevant and timely financial services.”
Announced during the media round table meeting last August 5, The Bank of the Philippines Islands is opening another branch in September. An addition to the current 30 BPI Family Savings Bank, BanKO branches and branch lite units in the region.
Through its microfinance arm, BPI Direct BanKO, Inc. (BanKO), BPI is also enabling and empowering self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs) in the region. It will soon be the first digitalized bank in the country truly focused on this under-served and unbanked segment.
“BanKO is being fitted with full digital capabilities. It will be a good example of two marriages: the marriage of branch and digital, and the marriage of digitalization and financial inclusion,” Mr. Consing, BPI President and CEO