As more Filipinos manage their finances through mobile apps, digital payments, and online lending platforms, banks are under increasing pressure to make everyday banking faster, simpler, and more secure.
EastWest Bank is proving that convenience and responsible growth can go hand in hand. The bank has been recognized as the Leaders in Consumer Finance Excellence Philippines 2026 by CFI.co, an international publication focused on business, economics, and finance. The recognition highlights EastWest’s strong performance in consumer banking and its continued investment in digital solutions designed to improve how customers borrow, pay, and manage their money.
A Recognition Built on Strong Financial Performance
The award comes after another solid year for EastWest's consumer finance business.
According to CFI.co's assessment, the bank achieved a 21% year-on-year increase in net income in 2025, reaching Php 9.2 billion. At the same time, EastWest improved its cost-to-income ratio to 51.4% as of September 2025, representing a 412-basis-point improvement.
These numbers reflect more than financial growth. They demonstrate the bank's ability to expand its consumer banking business while maintaining operational efficiency and disciplined risk management.
CFI.co noted that EastWest's consumer-focused strategy successfully balances business growth with prudent underwriting practices and continued investments in customer-facing digital platforms.
Meeting Everyday Financial Needs Through Consumer Banking
For years, EastWest has focused on providing products that address practical financial needs for Filipino consumers.
Its consumer finance portfolio spans credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, deposit products, digital banking services, and payment solutions. Rather than simply expanding product offerings, the bank has concentrated on creating services that fit naturally into customers' daily lives.
This customer-first approach was one of the factors highlighted in CFI.co's recognition.
Jacqueline S. Fernandez, President of EastWest, emphasized that long-term success in consumer finance comes from consistently delivering a strong customer experience while managing risks responsibly.
"In consumer finance, performance is earned every day, through customer experience, sound underwriting, and consistent execution," Fernandez shared during her interview with CFI.co. "We've built a franchise that can compete strongly by staying close to what customers need and being disciplined about how we grow."
How Digital Banking Is Transforming the Customer Experience
One of EastWest's biggest strengths has been its continued investment in digital banking platforms that simplify customer journeys.
Whether applying for financial products, managing accounts, monitoring transactions, or making payments, customers increasingly expect seamless experiences that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
To meet these expectations, EastWest has developed a suite of digital tools designed to reduce friction across multiple touchpoints.
EasyWay Makes Banking More Convenient
Among the bank's most notable digital platforms is EasyWay, EastWest's mobile banking app that combines product applications with day-to-day account management features.
Customers can use the app for fund transfers, check deposits, bill payments, real-time card monitoring, and other essential banking transactions.
CFI.co cited EasyWay as one of the bank's key digital initiatives, noting its popularity among customers looking for a convenient and all-in-one banking experience.
Greater Control Through ESTA and EastWest Pay
EastWest has also expanded digital self-service options through ESTA, a platform that allows cardholders to manage their credit cards more independently.
Features such as card lock and unlock controls provide customers with additional security and flexibility when managing their accounts.
The bank's EastWest Pay platform, launched in June 2023, further supports contactless payments for Visa cardholders, allowing users to make purchases quickly and securely through their mobile devices.
Komo Continues to Support Digital-First Users
Another digital offering highlighted in the report is Komo, EastWest's digital banking platform designed for customers seeking low-friction banking and payment experiences.
With features that support cashless transactions and wallet-like functionality, Komo continues to attract consumers looking for a straightforward way to manage their finances digitally.
The Growing Role of Data and Analytics in Consumer Finance
Behind every digital banking experience is a robust system of data, analytics, and risk management.
As more customers apply for loans and financial products online, banks must be able to assess risk accurately while maintaining accessibility.
CFI.co recognized EastWest's investments in analytics and data governance, which help the bank manage consumer credit risk at scale, including customers acquired through digital channels.
Fernandez described analytics as an essential component of sustainable growth in consumer finance.
"In consumer finance, you need strong analytics, your radar, so you can price risk properly and keep expanding access in a way that stays sustainable," she explained. "Even in higher-risk segments, if you can manage the risk and the portfolio remains net accretive, you can continue to serve real needs."
This data-driven approach allows the bank to expand access to financial products while maintaining responsible lending practices.
Digital Onboarding Is Expanding Financial Access
EastWest also reported progress in digital customer acquisition, an area that continues to gain importance as more consumers prefer online banking experiences.
According to Fernandez, digitally acquired customers have grown from approximately five percent of new acquisitions to double-digit levels, signaling increased adoption of online onboarding channels.
The bank believes broader access to credit bureau information is also helping strengthen digital lending assessments, creating more opportunities to responsibly extend financial services to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead: Smarter and More Accessible Banking
The recognition from CFI.co reinforces EastWest's position as one of the country's leading consumer-focused financial institutions.
As digital banking continues to evolve, the bank plans to further invest in customer experiences, advanced analytics, and governance frameworks that support sustainable growth.
For consumers, this means greater convenience, more control over their financial transactions, and easier access to products designed around everyday needs.
In a rapidly changing financial landscape, EastWest's continued focus on innovation, responsible lending, and customer-centric banking shows how traditional financial institutions can adapt while keeping customer trust at the center of their growth strategy.