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Helping Clients Navigate the Year Ahead
Financial planning often becomes more challenging during periods of rapid economic change. To help clients stay informed and confident about their financial decisions, East West Banking Corporation recently organized a series of exclusive events designed to provide both economic insights and cultural perspectives for the year ahead.
Held in Pampanga and Metro Manila, the gatherings welcomed clients from the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking segments. The sessions combined expert economic analysis with feng shui guidance to help attendees better understand potential opportunities and risks in 2026.
The initiative reflects the bank’s goal of equipping clients with practical insights that can support long-term financial planning.
Economic Outlook Points to Steady Growth
One of the key speakers during the event was economist and University of Asia and the Pacific professor Bernardo Villegas. During the session, he discussed the evolving global and local economic environment and what it could mean for investors and businesses in the coming year.
Villegas highlighted that while markets remain dynamic and fast-moving, the Philippines is still expected to experience moderate but steady economic growth.
Echoing this perspective, Jackie S. Fernandez, President of EastWest Bank, explained that understanding these changes is essential for making confident financial decisions. She noted that the bank aims to remain a reliable partner for clients by anticipating shifts in the economic landscape and helping them stay on track toward their financial goals.
New Partnership for Market Insights
As part of its effort to provide ongoing financial guidance, EastWest also announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Asia and the Pacific for the Economic Watch newsletter.
This publication will serve as a curated source of market insights, trends, and economic updates. Clients can use the information to stay informed about financial developments and make more strategic decisions throughout the year.
By combining academic expertise with financial services, the initiative aims to make complex economic information easier for clients to understand and apply.
Feng Shui Guidance for the Year of the Fire Horse
Beyond economic forecasts, the sessions also explored traditional perspectives on prosperity and opportunity. Feng shui expert Patrick Fernandez shared insights on how individuals can align their plans with the energetic themes associated with the Year of the Fire Horse.
According to Fernandez, the year is characterized by strong momentum and fast-moving energy, which may encourage decisive action and bold strategies.
Raffy Algarra, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management at EastWest, explained that the bank believes being a trusted financial partner means offering clients the foresight they need to make confident decisions.
Through initiatives like the Economic Watch newsletter and wealth advisory services, the bank hopes to help clients review their goals and strengthen their financial strategies for the future.
Recognized for Wealth Management Excellence
The bank’s commitment to delivering quality financial guidance has also earned international recognition.
EastWest recently received honors at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025. Its affluent banking segment, EastWest Priority, was recognized for Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management.
Meanwhile, the bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group received the award for Best Discretionary and Advisory Service Offering.
These accolades highlight the bank’s focus on providing tailored financial solutions and advisory services for clients seeking to grow and manage their wealth effectively.
Financial planning requires both insight and adaptability, especially in a rapidly evolving economic environment. By combining expert economic analysis with cultural perspectives such as feng shui, EastWest is offering clients a broader approach to understanding opportunities in the year ahead.
For individuals and businesses looking to strengthen their financial strategies in 2026, staying informed and seeking expert guidance can be key steps toward building long-term financial confidence.