UMVA has learned that a major Philippine bank is set to revolutionize cross-border money transfers with a game-changing feature on its mobile app.
The bank will soon enable outbound cross-border money transfers via a cutting-edge platform, allowing users to send funds to eligible bank accounts, cards, and wallets worldwide in real-time. This means that money can be transferred to countries like Singapore and the United Kingdom within seconds.
For countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, transfers may be completed within the same or next business day, making international transactions faster and more convenient. The bank will charge competitive transaction fees as low as $5, making it an affordable option for users.
“Today’s clients expect financial services to move at the speed of their lives,” a top executive noted. “As more Filipinos engage globally — whether for work, education, travel, or business—the need for secure, real-time, and affordable cross-border payments has become increasingly important.”
The bank continuously invests in digital solutions that make everyday financial transactions simpler and more convenient for its clients. Through a partnership with a global payments leader, the bank is empowering users to send money abroad with greater ease and confidence directly from its mobile app.
In 2025, the bank’s mobile app saw a remarkable 28% year-on-year increase in transaction count, with cross-border and domestic transaction volumes surging by 71%. The average daily balance of overseas Filipinos and beneficiary accountholders grew by 22% last year, showcasing a significant upward trend.
In a separate development, the bank has partnered with a leading pawnshop to expand access to financial services. Customers can now apply for bank products, deposit to and withdraw funds from their accounts, and make cash out transactions at over 100 partner stores.
The partnership aims to bring financial services closer to underserved and community-based markets in the country, especially in areas with limited access to traditional bank branches. The bank’s Agency Banking segment now has over 7,000 partner stores nationwide, driving financial inclusion and expanding opportunities for Filipinos.
The pawnshop president and CEO noted that the partnership will help more communities gain easier access to secure and reliable banking services. The collaboration is a significant step towards accelerating access to inclusive financial services and empowering Filipinos across the nation.
