BPI to open 2 branches this year, say top execs
THE BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will open another two branches in the Davao Region, one in the city and another in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley this year as part of their expansion plan.
The two branches will add to the 30 BPI, BPI Family, Savings Bank, BanKO branches in the region as it targets to increase its BanKo branch network to 300 from 200 as of last year.
The new branches as well as the other existing branches will complement to its digital channels to deliver enhanced customer experience.
“We want our clients to go digital and experience efficient, friction-less transactions between digital channels and the branches. It will empower clients and at the same time, allow us to be more attuned to their needs, able to offer relevant and timely financial services,” said Ramon Jocson, BPI chief operating officer, as he and Cezar Consing, bank president, were visiting the city yesterday.
In a statement, the bank said it plans to empower self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs) in the region through its micro finance arm, BPI Direct BanKO, Inc. leading to its goal on becoming the first digitalized bank in the country that primarily focused on undeserved and unbanked segment.
Consing said BanKo will be fitted with full digital capabilities adding that “it will be a good example of two marriages, the marriage of branch and digital and the marriage of digitalization and financial inclusion.”
By the end of this year, the company is targeting to increase the number of users of its digital channels
from 31% to 40% as part of its effort in achieving greater financial inclusion in the Davao Region.
“Digital financial inclusion captures the essence of what we are trying to do, so we aim to be most financially inclusive of Philippine banks,” he said, adding that with technology the bank will be able to reach out to the unbanked and underserved.