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. EastWest said the expanded digital access can help remove barriers that often prevent individuals from starting their retirement planning journey.
Making retirement investing more accessible
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. EastWest PERA is available to local investors and overseas Filipino workers, with a minimum initial investment of PHP2,000.
“Many Filipinos understand the importance of preparing for retirement but are unsure where to start,” said EastWest trust officer and 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.”
DragonFi is a technology-driven investment platform offering 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 and founder Jon Lim.
Extending PERA access through Luna Securities
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 Securities chairman and co-founder John Gatmaytan.
Through the two partnerships, customers can access professionally managed EastWest PERA investment solutions backed by the bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group while using a more seamless digital investment experience.
EastWest PERA at a glance
The minimum initial investment for EastWest PERA is PHP2,000, with subsequent contributions starting at PHP1,000. The maximum annual investment limit is up to PHP200,000 per person or up to PHP400,000 for OFWs.
Tax-free withdrawal is 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, customers may contact their EastWest relationship manager.