East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has introduced its EastWest PERA products to help more Filipinos prepare for long-term financial security. PERA, or Personal Equity and Retirement Account, is a voluntary retirement savings program regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). It serves as an additional source of income alongside benefits from SSS, GSIS, and employer plans, while offering tax advantages including a 5 percent tax credit following applicable rules.
Designed to be easy to start, the minimum initial investment is only P2,000, with subsequent contributions starting at P1,000. The annual investment limit is up to P200,000 for local residents and up to P400,000 for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Investments are made through BSP-approved channels, and qualified withdrawals at age 55 or older are tax-free, provided the account is maintained for at least five years.
To improve customer experience, EastWest partnered with BSP-accredited and SEC-supervised digital administrators such as DragonFi Securities Inc. This allows clients to complete application processes, use educational resources, and manage their accounts fully online.
The EastWest PERA Funds are managed by the bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group, which was named the Philippines’ Best for Discretionary Portfolio Management at the 2026 Euromoney Private Banking Awards for the second year in a row.
“Many Filipinos delay retirement planning because they think it is complicated or expensive,” said EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo. “We built EastWest PERA to make retirement investing simple. With digital access, diverse fund options and professional management, we want more people to start building their future with confidence.”
EastWest stated that this initiative is part of its goal to make financial services easier and help more individuals achieve long-term financial stability.
