Union Bank of the Philippines has further adopted the usage of blockchain-based technology, applying it to cut operational costs across the board.
Increased Interest
Union Bank of the Philippines has applied blockchain technology in additional internal processes. The intention is to cut the operational cost while, at the same time, further exploring the innovative technology.
Speaking on the matter, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Edwin R. Bautista said:
In operations, we already launched several internal blockchain applications. The goal is to put blockchain as much as we can in the internal process. We want to reduce our costs. At the same time, it also helps us learn the technology that we can now apply for customers.
Previously, the bank’s chief has said that a lot of the bank’s 700 internal processes are ripe for blockchain conversion. These processes include check clearing, account opening and even transfer of funds, among a range of others.
The bank began the adoption of the technology by putting its operating manuals and general circulars on the blockchain, allowing for their more efficient distribution. Business World also reports that the bank had launched a clearing system connecting rural banks through blockchain-based technology last quarter. Supposedly, the system improves important bank processes such as inter-bank funds transfers, remittance, KYC processes, branch locating, financial and accounting reports, and others alike.
Welcoming Environment
The Philippines is shaping up as a welcoming environment for the cryptocurrency field. The country moved to allow the operation of 10 different digital currency and blockchain companies in its economic zone.
Furthermore, Union Bank itself attested its interest in the field earlier this year. The seventh-largest bank in the country ran Bitcoin miners at the Business World Economic Forum 2018 in order to “experiment and explore how it works.”
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was selected by the World Bank to issue the world’s first blockchain bond on a private Ethereum blockchain.
What do you think of Union Bank’s move to further adopt blockchain technology? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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