The Metropolitan Bank and Trust company (Metrobank) has launched Ask Earnest, an AI‑powered chatbot answering everyday money questions as the bank expands its long‑term financial literacy advocacy for Filipinos.
Many Filipinos hesitate to talk about money, leaving key financial questions unasked. Ask Earnest seeks to normalize these conversations, covering common concerns such as salary savings, big‑ticket purchases, and lending money to relatives or friends.
The chatbot delivers financial guidance exactly when users face money decisions, serving as an interactive complement to Metrobank’s existing articles and videos. It lets Filipinos ask follow‑up questions and learn financial concepts at their own pace.
“Financial education should meet people where they are. We want it to be something people can turn to when they have a question or a decision to make. Sometimes, the first hurdle is knowing where to begin or feeling comfortable enough to ask,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “With Ask Earnest, we aim to make that first step easier and encourage more Filipinos to understand their options before making a money decision.”
Users may consult Ask Earnest about emergency funds, debt repayment, beginner investing, and basic financial terms, building confidence for more thoughtful financial choices.
“Financial mindfulness develops as people learn, ask questions, and apply what they understand to everyday life,” Dimagiba added. “Through Ask Earnest, we want to encourage the habit of pausing to ask and understand, whether someone is managing their first salary, reviewing their spending, or preparing for a longer‑term goal.”
Ask Earnest is the newest addition to Metrobank’s financial‑education ecosystem, which grew from an Earnest e‑book to the earnest.ph website and @earnestPH social‑media pages on TikTok and Instagram. The bank’s advocacy also includes the Moneygurado docuseries and school‑community roadshows examining Filipino money behaviors.
Through the new chatbot, Metrobank aims to make financial learning more accessible, helping Filipinos build healthier money habits and make better‑informed financial decisions.
