EAST WEST Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot designed to help entrepreneurs understand and access banking solutions that can support business growth.

ECHO, or EastWest CMS Help Officer, is intended to help business owners understand and access the bank’s cash management services, especially as their operations become increasingly digitalized, the bank said in a statement.

“As more Filipino entrepreneurs turn to digital channels to manage and grow their businesses, they increasingly need quick, reliable access to information and solutions that can help them manage day-to-day financial operations efficiently,” the bank said.

“As businesses expand, their financial needs become more complex — from collections and payments to payroll and cash flow management. This growing shift toward digital business management has increased the need for secure, accessible banking solutions that help entrepreneurs streamline operations, improve efficiency, and stay focused on growth.”

ECHO provides simple answers about EastWest Bank’s cash management services, recommends options tailored to a business’ needs, and connects users with an EastWest Sales Officer for personalized assistance.

The chatbot’s knowledge base is continuously being enhanced and expanded to ensure the assistance and information it provides remain relevant and timely.

The rollout adds another customer-facing digital tool at a time when Philippine businesses are increasingly using online channels to handle routine financial tasks, making access to information and support a practical part of day-to-day banking rather than a separate service.

“Through ECHO, EastWest continues to strengthen its support for business owners with practical digital tools that simplify banking, improve access to relevant solutions, and help businesses make better-informed financial decisions,” EastWest Bank said.

The lender said the initiative is part of its digitalization efforts aimed at making financial services more accessible and responsive to Filipinos’ needs.

“Business owners need quick access to information so they can focus on running and growing their business. Through ECHO, we’re giving them an easier way to learn about solutions that can help them operate and grow with confidence,” EastWest Chief Marketing Officer Martin C. Reyes said.

EastWest booked a net income of P3.4 billion for the first half of 2026 as it set aside increased provisions for potential losses amid continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. — BVR