AUB maps out AI-led growth plan

MANILA, Philippines — Asia United Bank Corp. (AUB) is leaning on artificial intelligence (AI) and a stronger capital base to sustain growth after posting record earnings in 2025, as the banking industry faces a tougher operating environment marked by inflation risks, peso volatility and global uncertainty.

In a disclosure, AUB said it has unveiled a strategic roadmap that seeks to combine the agility of a fintech company with the resilience of a universal bank.

The plan includes wider use of generative AI, predictive analytics and digital banking tools to deepen its reach among retail clients and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The bank said it is deploying generative AI to provide real-time, personalized financial advice to its digital users. It is also using predictive analytics to offer pre-approved credit lines to small businesses, a segment seen as critical to economic growth but often constrained by limited access to formal financing.

AUB president Manuel Gomez said the bank is positioning itself to manage external risks while expanding its digital ecosystem.

“At AUB, we view shifting economic horizons not as boundaries that constrain us, but as frontiers we are already crossing,” Gomez said.

“By seamlessly connecting traditional banking stability with the limitless possibilities of digital innovation, we have built a bridge capable of withstanding global uncertainty and generating long-term, sustainable value for our stakeholders, customers, and communities.”

The roadmap comes as AUB’s board, led by newly elected chairman Abraham Co, approved a proposal to raise the bank’s authorized capital stock to P72.5 billion from P14.7 billion. The amendment to its articles of incorporation remains subject to shareholder approval.

The board also approved a cash dividend of P2.50 per share to be paid in three tranches: P1 per share by July 30, another P1 per share by Sept. 30 and P0.50 per share by Dec. 18.

AUB’s board likewise approved a 100 percent stock dividend, which will be endorsed to stockholders for approval. Record and payment dates will be set after regulatory approvals are secured.

The capital move follows what AUB described as a banner year in 2025. Net income rose by 12 percent to an all-time high of P12.7 billion, while return on equity stood at 20 percent and return on assets improved to 3.10 percent.

“These achievements are the result of disciplined credit underwriting, rigorous portfolio monitoring, early risk detection and agile remedial management, enabling us to work proactively with our borrowers while safeguarding the bank’s asset quality,” Gomez said.

AUB is also scaling up its digital channels. Its e-wallet HelloMoney reached nearly nine million users by end-2025 and has expanded its global utility through the Alipay+ network, allowing transactions in China and nearly 60 other countries.

The app has also introduced HelloInvest, which gives users direct access to government Treasury bills.

On the merchant side, AUB PayMate continues to support QR Ph, Mastercard, Visa and major international wallets. This year, the bank is rolling out AUB PayMate Business, which will offer automated invoicing and real-time inventory financing for MSMEs.