EastWest launches voluntary retirement readiness program for employees

East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) launched its Voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program to give employees a convenient way to save and invest through accredited PERA products.

The bank introduced the program bank-wide during a townhall on April 16, 2026. This aligns with the direction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to encourage businesses nationwide to adopt company-sponsored PERA programs.

The programs leverage enhanced tax incentives under the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act to invest in employees and contribute to national economic growth.

Under the initiative, eligible EastWest employees can participate by providing express authorization that allows the bank to make contributions on their behalf, together with their own personal contributions. Participation remains fully voluntary, and EastWest provides awareness and onboarding support.

To simplify the process, EastWest teamed up with DragonFi Securities Inc., a Securities and Exchange Commission-supervised PERA Administrator, to provide guided account setup, investment options, digital tools and educational resources.

The program is non-exclusive, which allows employees to choose other accredited PERA Administrators.

The initiative reflects EastWest’s role in employer-facilitated PERA participation and broader efforts to encourage long-term savings among Filipino workers, who can contribute up to P200,000 annually or P400,000 for overseas workers to enjoy a 5-percent tax credit.

“Financial empowerment is not only about access to products. It is also about building the knowledge and confidence to plan ahead,” EastWest chief executive Jerry Ngo said.

“By facilitating access to PERA, EastWest is helping employees take a more active role in shaping their long-term financial future,” said Ngo.

The program forms part of the bank’s broader commitment to helping its people build sound financial habits and prepare for retirement.