EastWest has won Best Digital Banking Initiative – Philippines at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards, recognized for building a connected digital ecosystem that makes banking simpler and accessible for all. Chief Technology Officer Barani Sundaram received the award on the bank’s behalf.
User adoption surged in 2025, with Komo and EasyWay registrations rising over 52 percent. Digital channels accounted for 51 percent.of total transactions, up from 46 percent, while monthly active users held steady at 73 percent. Rather than standalone apps, the three platforms—Komo for daily banking, EasyWay for expanded financial services, and ESTA for onboarding and support—work together so customers can grow without switching systems. Digital account opening now takes under 10 minutes, a 75 percent reduction, with 99.9 percent of EasyWay savings accounts opened completely online.
Digital customers also showed higher engagement, completing 22 percent more fund transfers and 7 percent more bill payments than non-digital users, while product holdings across all customer segments grew. “This award tells us we’re making progress. It also gives us a reason to keep improving the experience,” said SVP and Chief Digital Products and Channels Officer Harvey Libarnes. Built-in security and expanded rural access—including a 39.49 percent rise in EastWest Rural Bank’s active Komo users—round out the bank’s strategy. EastWest will further integrate its platforms through 2027, keeping its focus on growing alongside every customer’s financial journey.
