[Manila, Philippines] — EastWest is expanding access to its Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) products through partnerships with DragonFi and Luna Securities, giving more Filipinos convenient digital channels to start investing for retirement.

The partnerships allow customers to access EastWest PERA through investment platforms designed to make investing more convenient and accessible, helping remove barriers that often prevent individuals from starting their retirement planning journey.

PERA is a voluntary retirement savings program supported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that complements retirement benefits from the SSS, GSIS, and employer-sponsored plans. With a minimum investment of just Php 2,000, EastWest PERA is available to local investors and OFWs.

“Many Filipinos understand the importance of preparing for retirement but are unsure where to start ,” said EastWest Trust Officer & Head of Trust Asset Management Group Raul Victor De Guzman. “By expanding digital access to EastWest PERA through DragonFi and Luna Securities, we are helping make retirement investing simpler, more convenient, and within reach of more Filipinos. Our goal is to enable more people to build long-term financial security through disciplined saving and sound investment choices.”

(from left) DragonFi Chief Technology Officer Cathryn Lao and CEO & Founder Jon Lim with EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo, Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management Rafael Algarra Jr., and Trust Officer & Head of Trust Asset Management Group Raul Victor De Guzman

DragonFi is a technology-driven investment platform that provides access to stocks, funds, REITs, and PERA accounts through its web and mobile channels, alongside educational resources and investing tools.

“Now is an especially important time to invest for retirement. Filipinos are living longer, the employment landscape is becoming more fluid, and traditional sources of retirement income may no longer be sufficient. The earlier one begins, the more time there is for compounding to work,” said DragonFi CEO & Founder Jon Lim.

EastWest Trust Officer & Head of Trust Asset Management Group Raul Victor De Guzman with Luna Securities Chairman & Co-Founder John Gatmaytan

Luna Securities, meanwhile, offers a mobile-first investing experience designed to make stock investing simpler and more intuitive for Filipino investors.

“As more partnerships are made, more people can help spread the word that investment opportunities are now available to every Filipino. Coupled with technology, investing for retirement is now made accessible to all demographics and different income classes,” said Luna Chairman & Co-Founder John Gatmaytan.

Through these partnerships, customers can access professionally managed EastWest PERA investment solutions backed by the Bank’s award-winning Trust and Asset Management Group while enjoying a more seamless digital experience.

EastWest PERA at a glance

  • Minimum initial investment: Php 2,000
  • Maximum annual investment limit: Up to Php 200,000 per person or up to Php 400,000 for OFWs
  • Minimum subsequent contributions: Php 1,000
  • Tax‑free withdrawal: Available at age 55 and above, provided the account has been funded for at least five consecutive years (early withdrawals are subject to tax clawbacks, as provided under PERA regulations)

 

For more information about EastWest PERA, you may contact your EastWest relationship manager.

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About East West Banking Corporation:

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is a Filipino-owned universal bank. EastWest is a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), one of the country’s leading conglomerates with a diverse range of interests including real estate, banking, hospitality & tourism, infrastructure power generation, and sugar. It is not affiliated with any foreign financial institution which may bear the same name. For more information, visit www.eastwestbanker.com.