Manila,  Philippines - In a landmark win at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025, EastWest clinched the “Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines” for its pioneering compliance-driven analytics monitoring tool that now underpins its foreign exchange (FX) trading operations. The award recognizes the work of the Financial Markets Distribution Group (FMDG) under the Financial Markets & Wealth Management Group (FMWM) in strengthening regulatory integrity while delivering seamless customer experience.

Launched in early 2024, the proprietary monitoring tool was developed in-house to screen FX tickets in real time. It automates the monitoring of client profiles and trade frequency against Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) guidelines. The tool addresses an industry-wide challenge: preventing structured transactions intended to circumvent regulatory thresholds without slowing down execution.

Raffy S. Algarra, Jr., Head of Financial Markets & Wealth Management, explains: “Clients expect seamless execution. There’s also a growing need for better visibility and control. This tool was built to deliver both.”

This seamless fusion of compliance and speed has elevated the FX trading experience for clients while reinforcing internal safeguards. “It acts like a digital sentinel, watching trades in real time and stepping in only when necessary,” Algarra added. “Clients barely notice it, but it’s there, keeping them safe and the bank protected.”

The recognition also speaks of the Bank’s continued focus on building smart, efficient tools that respond to real-world needs. These solutions quietly elevate day-to-day banking while meeting regulatory precision.

carlo-mariano-eastwest-bank

Mr. Carlo Mariano, Head of Regional Sales, Financial Markets Distribution Group, receives the award on behalf of the Bank at the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Corporate & Investment Banking Awards in Singapore.

 

A First in Philippine FX 

This innovation marks the first of its kind in the local banking landscape: a desk-level monitoring system built specifically to enforce BSP’s FX regulations. EastWest’s initiative aligns with the regulator’s vision of a more transparent, technology-enabled banking system that balances ease with responsibility.

The Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards recognize innovation, sound practices, and client-focused service across the region. EastWest received the Analytics Initiative of the Year award for a data-driven solution that strengthens internal systems, improves visibility, and supports the Bank’s thoughtful use of technology to enhance operations while maintaining integrity and control.