Asian Banking & Finance cites BDO’s unwavering service despite the pandemic

THE Singapore-based publication Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) has commended BDO Unibank for its resourcefulness in delivering its services to clients and communities even at the height of the pandemic environment. 

At the recently held Asian Banking and Finance Wholesale and Retail Banking Awards 2021, the Bank was awarded with the Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year (Philippines) for its webinar series Market Sense. Meanwhile, its subsidiary, BDO Private Bank, won Wealth Management Platform of the Year (Philippines) and its corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, won the COVID Management Initiative of the Year (Philippines).

“Financial institutions that didn’t back down from the challenge and have adapted amidst the crisis have proved to be on the top of the industry,” said Tim Charlton, ABF magazine publisher. “ABF awards aim to recognise these exceptional firms and challenge them to provide top-tier products and services to their clients as we continue to move forward into the new normal.”

Reaching clients

Due to the limitations caused by the pandemic, BDO’s Trust and Investments Group has been continuously guiding investors and clients on market developments using the digital platform. 

It introduced the six-episode monthly webinar Market Sense, wherein investors and clients received tips from invited experts on how to position their investments especially in this unprecedented time.

Growing wealth strategically

Since 2003, wealthy clients have asked BDO Private Bank to plan and manage the value of their assets, not just for themselves but also for their successors and heirs. They benefit from the bank’s customized investment strategies that help them achieve their goals, address their unique circumstances, and earn returns amid ever-changing market conditions. 

Clients also benefit from BDO Private Bank’s experienced relationship managers and open architecture platform, which allows them access to both domestic and offshore products and services for diversification and optimal financial flexibility.

“Our aim is to offer clients more and better investment opportunities, more information on which to base their decisions, and personal contact with advisors who have the knowledge and expertise to guide them through their investment goals and estate planning objectives,” said Albert Yeo, president of BDO Private Bank.

Doing its part for the nation

BDO Foundation pursued the pilot implementation of pooled testing in the country to make mass testing accessible to more Filipinos and help control the virus’ spread. In partnership with local governments, the public sector, medical community, and non-governmental organizations, it funded the pooled testing program in Makati, Cebu, and Mandaluyong to cover 18,000 market vendors, public utility vehicle drivers, and medical frontliners.

The Foundation also donated 10,000 RT-PCR test kits to 10 hospitals nationwide; distributed 10,000 relief packs to underprivileged families in communities on lockdown; and facilitated the donation of 1,900 hygiene kits to repatriated overseas Filipino workers. Through BDO Foundation, BDO partnered with the government to help fund the purchase of AstraZeneca vaccines for the inoculation of priority sectors and economic frontliners.

BDO also ramped up efforts to protect its employees through the vaccination drive with the help of the local government units, and twice-a-month antigen testing. The inoculation rate of bank employees is nearing 100 percent, a move considered by BDO as essential to protecting the customers transacting in its branches and offices.  

INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE. BDO Unibank, BDO Private Bank, and BDO Foundation were recognized with the Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year (Philippines), Wealth Management Platform of the Year (Philippines), and the COVID Management Initiative of the Year (Philippines), respectively, during the Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Wholesale and Retail Banking Awards 2021.