UnionBank Launches The ARK: The first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Good news to all the loyal patrons, account holders and future account holders of UnionBank because they just embraced the newest technology everyone would be raving about, the future of banking is definitely at The Ark of UnionBank.
Honestly speaking, this is a wonderful way of banking, less stress and more manageable for account holders. I love UnionBank and thankfully, my account has been secure for the past years now with them.
Consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country, UnionBank launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines. Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.
L-R: Deputy Center Head of UnionBank Ana Aboitiz Delgado, UnionBank senior executive vice president Edwin Bautista, (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier and UnionBank chairman and chief executive officer Justo Ortiz
“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.
Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space. It could also be used as a 3rd space for different communities to get together.
Deputy Center Head of UnionBank Ana Aboitiz Delgado also talks about how UnionBank embarks on a new journey as they embrace high technology and transform the process of banking which is the first in the Philippines.
The ARK, as a concept branch “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking.
Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.
For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.
“The ARK provides a service unlike any other. There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.
At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction. The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction.
The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet. Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests with overflowing of coffee, donuts and ice cream! It's definitely a VIP experience at The Ark.
UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.
“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.
UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards. Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector.
BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years.
“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.
The Ark by UnionBank
G/F, Insular Health Care Bldg., 167 Dela Rosa corner Legazpi Street,
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Tel: (02)4785509 / (02)5958239 / (02) 8080465
Open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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