As part of its goal of enabling inclusive prosperity in the country, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has signed a partnership agreement with Germany-based financial services provider Wirecard to make banking services more convenient and efficient for corporate customers in the financial services ecosystem.

Under the partnership, Wirecard will leverage solutions within UnionBank’s banking ecosystem, such as business banking, electronic fund transfer, and checkwriter in the Philippines. These solutions will allow Wirecard’s Philippines entity to disburse funds to suppliers and vendors, and settle payments to merchants via cheques and wire transfer.

UnionBank Corporate Banking Center head, Antonino Fajardo, said through the partnership, businesses will be empowered with a wider range of banking and finance services, which in turn will enable them to create greater positive impact on the economy.

“Businesses play a big role in the country’s growth. They provide jobs, they contribute to our GDP, and they help build the country through their various corporate social responsibility efforts. With this partnership, we will be able to magnify all of that,” Fajardo said.

General manager for Wirecard in the Philippines Martha Borja expressed her excitement about the partnership and said they will work hard towards the common goal of both companies to promote financial inclusion in the country.

“As a global innovation leader in digital financial technology, we are committed to providing innovative solutions and services for cashless payments. We are delighted to collaborate with UnionBank – who not only shares the same vision as us to promote financial inclusion in the country, but is also at the forefront of digital transformation in the Philippines, embracing technological innovations to empower customers. Through our cooperation with UnionBank, we can provide our customers with secure and reliable banking facilities that meet their needs,” said Borja.

Meanwhile, UnionBank president and CEO Edwin Bautista cited the country’s exponential growth and said that for the whole nation to benefit, everyone must work together to ensure inclusive prosperity for all.

“The country is moving at a fast rate in terms of growth, and with this comes the possibility of the widening gap between those who make money and those who get left behind,” said Bautista. “We want as much as possible that when the tide rises, all boats get floated, even the small boats.”