Union Bank of the Philippines has introduced a fully digital Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) feature on its mobile app, marking a significant step in expanding access to long-term investment tools in the Philippines. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and ATRAM Trust Corporation, aims to simplify retirement planning through a seamless digital experience.
PERA is a voluntary savings and investment program designed to help Filipinos build financial security for retirement and long-term goals. With traditional pension systems such as SSS and GSIS often insufficient to meet future needs, the platform provides an additional avenue for wealth accumulation through BSP-approved investment products.
UnionBank’s latest feature eliminates traditional barriers by enabling users to open a PERA account directly within the UnionBank Online app—without the need for extensive paperwork or multiple document uploads. Once onboarded, customers can immediately begin investing in accredited financial instruments.
According to Ana Aboitiz Delgado, the move reflects the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and digital innovation. “By fully digitizing PERA onboarding, we are enabling customers to start building financial security earlier, conveniently and confidently,” she said.
Technology plays a central role in the platform’s design, offering a secure, user-friendly interface that supports end-to-end account management. The integration with ATRAM Trust Corporation also expands access to a broader range of investment options, enhancing portfolio flexibility for users.
The launch aligns with BSP’s broader push for digital finance and Open Finance initiatives, positioning UnionBank as a leader in tech-driven banking solutions. Future updates are expected to further streamline the PERA journey, delivering a fully integrated, straight-through digital experience.
With PERA now accessible via mobile, UnionBank is leveraging technology to make long-term investing more inclusive, encouraging Filipinos to take a proactive approach to financial planning in an increasingly digital economy.
