East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) has entered into a partnership with DragonFi Securities, Inc. and Luna Securities, Inc. to widen access to its Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) products.

Through the collaboration, customers of DragonFi Securities and Luna Securities can now access EastWest PERA products directly via their respective digital platforms. EastWest PERA products are open to both local investors and overseas Filipino workers, with a minimum initial investment of P2,000. PERA, established under Republic Act No. 9505, provides a voluntary, tax-advantaged retirement savings framework designed to supplement the state pension system and encourage long-term investing among Filipinos.

"Many Filipinos understand the importance of preparing for retirement but are unsure where to start," said EastWest Bank Trust Officer and Head of Trust Asset Management Group Raul Victor M. De Guzman in a statement. "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 Securities offers access to stocks, funds, real estate investment trusts, and PERA accounts through its web and mobile channels. Luna Securities is a mobile-first platform designed to make stock investing simpler and more intuitive. The partnership reflects a broader trend of Philippine banks and online brokers linking up to distribute regulated investment products through digital channels, lowering entry barriers for retail participants.

"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 Securities Chief Executive Officer and Founder Jon Carlo C. Lim.

"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 P. Gatmaytan.

According to the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data, accumulated PERA contributions surged 45.3% year on year to P757.554 million as of end-June. While that growth marks accelerating adoption, total contributions remain modest relative to the country's working-age population, underscoring the gap that initiatives like the EastWest–DragonFi–Luna tie-up aim to address.

EastWest Bank reported a net income of P3.4 billion for the first half. Its shares closed unchanged at P11.66 each on Thursday. — A.M.C. Sy