Phl banks race to open modern-themed branches
Banks are racing to open modern-themed branches with concepts for the new age of banking in prime locations in major central business districts.
Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines is stepping into The ARK as it embarks on a voyage into the future: One that does away with lines and enters the world of touch screen, augmented reality and digital interaction.
UnionBank president and incoming CEO Edwin Bautista said The ARK stands as the platform for innovative development and innovative partnership to flourish.
“From the brick-and-mortar branch Banking 1.0 to today’s online banking of Banking 2.0, The ARK is where UnionBank will experiment with Banking 3.0 as a move from transactional spaces to interactional spaces,” Bautista said
“There’s no map to our destination, but our sails are out and the winds are steering in the right direction,” he added.
UnionBank is in talks with retailers that would be setting up customer experiences within The ARK. It opened The ARK at the ground floor of Insular Building at the corner of Ayala and Paseo de Roxas Avenues in Makati City.
“Its first few guests can expect banking with service like no other, with no long queues but instead, delightful encounters with the bank’s new features,” he said.
As unconventional as it sounds, however, The ARK by UnionBank hopes to win over select clientele that is very comfortable with digital technology but still prefers the warmth of face-to-face transactions.
Bautista said there is no doubt the next generation is dictating changes upon the banking industry.
UnionBank has designed The ARK to become a destination before and after work, providing room for off-site productivity and encourage creative tech ideas not just from its partners, but its customers as well.
Likewise, Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) also opened a new 680-square meter flagship branch at the iconic Insular Life Building.
BPI president and CEO Cezar Consing said new and redesigned branches are part of BPI’s efforts to better serve its growing client base.
“We are continually enhancing our customers’ banking experience and developing innovative products and services that cater to their needs,” he said.
“It is not only about expanding our branch footprint, but also about offering what our customers need, and being present where our customers need us to be,” he added.
The design of the branch speaks of modernization, but with a touch of heritage. It highlights how BPI looks forward to the future, but also values its rich history of 166 years.
The image of the galleon reminds us of the Spanish colonial Era in 1851 when El Banco Español Filipino de Isabell II was established. The seating area, counter, and meeting rooms were designed to represent the three main islands groups in the country – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The fluidity in the form illustrates the bodies of water surrounding the islands. The ceiling design of wave patterns depicts cloud formations, while the form and colors emphasize how BPI has evolved and adapted to the changing times. The white and red and stainless steel show boldness in BPI as a regional player in Southeast Asia.