Banking in the Low-Tech Era
During the 70s, banking was not as easy as it is today. Imagine a time when bank records lived in the account holder’s “home branch”. Transactions were recorded by hand, and transferring funds between banks could take days instead of seconds. Banking was inconveniently built around paper and physical presence. It was during this time that Mercedes T. Gotianun emerged as one of Philippine banking’s pioneering leaders, determined to make the banking experience easier and faster for customers.
The Woman Who Dared to Ask Why
Mercedes Gotianun challenged the norm and asked a simple yet powerful question: Why do we do things this way?
Family Savings Bank laid the foundation for Filinvest’s banking business. At that time, its technology became a competitive advantage The bank became the first in the Philippines to be computerized from the day it opened, enabling innovations that were years ahead of their time. Customers could earn interest based on their daily balance instead of the industry’s standard quarterly minimum balance, and they could deposit or withdraw funds from any Family Savings Bank branch nationwide using microwave communications.
As Family Bank fast grew to universal banking status, this eventually cemented her position as the first woman president of a Philippine universal bank. Mercedes Gotianun believed innovation should make life easier for customers.
The Legacy of Innovation Continues
Today, that same philosophy continues through EastWest Bank, where digital innovations—from the EasyWay app and Komo to phygital banking and enhanced Priority Banking experiences—are designed with one purpose: making banking easier so customers can focus on achieving their dreams.
The technology may have changed, but the mindset has not. What once meant pioneering computerized banking and nationwide branch access has evolved into seamless digital experiences that meet customers wherever they are.
As Filinvest continues to strengthen its heritage today, her legacy stands as a testament to the power of bold thinking. She proved that some of the most enduring innovations begin with a simple question and the courage to rethink what is possible.
