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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
