UnionBank launches The ARK
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 UniinBank 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," said UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer Edwin R. Bautista.
Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space. It could 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.
"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," added Bautista.
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 user 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 saif 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.
UnonBank has been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017 held at the Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China last Sept. 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the Philippines.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 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 the BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector.
BSP records show that 25 percent of current bank clients use mobile 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 strategically pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment," said Fonacier.
Experience The ARK, at the G/F of Insular Life Bldg, Ayala Ave cor Paseo de Roxas, Makati bank branch, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - ROBERT REQUINTINA
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