Customizing cash management for corporates

MANILA, Philippines - Sluggish bank lending due to poor global credit activity, is offering banks the opportunity to improve its services in time for economic recovery.

And the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is aware of the emerging trend of customer service orientation in corporate banking – an area that has long been associated with lending.  

According to Metrobank executive vice president Vicente R. Cuna Jr., with the sluggish economic resurgence, the credit appetite of banks has been consequently tempered.

“The present situation provides us an opportunity to explore better ways to serve our clients,“ said Cuna. “Thus, we have been beefing up Metrocash Manager, our range of cash management products and services.”

Cuna explained that with Metrocash Manager, the bank is able to offer corporate clients customized financial solutions responsive to their unique requirements.

MetroCash Manager offers a full range of financial solutions for better management of cash flow, operational efficiency, added security, and convenience. This includes basic banking services like online account statements, bills payment, and funds transfer; payment and collection solutions like auto credit and deposit pick-up; and government e-services like BIR Tax and SSS payments.

“We understand the challenges that come with managing the back office operations of a company. By essentially entrusting these responsibilities to us, our clients will be able to concentrate on growing their core business,” the bank executive added.

Metrobank has been providing cash management services to over 1,500 companies, including leading corporations, multinationals, distributors, franchisees, academic institutions, top retailers, insurance companies, and service providers.

Cuna credits the bank’s branch network, systems technology, and quality service for the positive client response.

Metrocash Manager has a comprehensive disbursement system that allows clients to pay its suppliers nationwide through the vast branch network of Metrobank. Upon request of the client, a supplier may conveniently collect their check at a Metrobank branch. 

Metrobank has 18 check releasing branches in Metro Manila, 33 in Cebu, and 16 in Davao. It has check printing hubs in the key areas of Makati, Cebu, Davao, and the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Complementing the branch network are the automated processes that have been put in place, such as electronic invoicing and online debit through metrobankdirect, the Internet banking portal of Metrobank. The automation benefits the corporate client in that it streamlines operations, improves efficiency and reduces the costs associated with paper-based and manual processing.

In addition to providing solutions that meet the needs of its customers, Metrobank gives high-level support through a dedicated service desk for corporate clients, comprised of a team of cash management experts.