by Edielyn Mangol, Reporter
Asia United Bank (AUB) is ramping up its digital finance ambitions through its mobile wallet, HelloMoney, with a goal of expanding its user base to 6.5 million by 2026. To reach this milestone, the bank is forming strategic partnerships with Singlife Philippines and the Social Security System (SSS) — integrating insurance and government benefit services into a single platform.
This initiative comes at a time when the Philippines is witnessing accelerated adoption of fintech solutions, as consumers increasingly seek accessible, digital-first financial services that simplify everyday transactions.
For AUB, the move marks a step toward broader financial inclusion while solidifying HelloMoney’s position as a key player in the local digital banking landscape.
With Singlife offering embedded insurance and the SSS providing access to millions of members, HelloMoney aims to evolve into a one-stop financial hub for Filipinos — one that bridges convenience, protection, and accessibility.
Embedding insurance in everyday transactions
A major growth driver for HelloMoney is its partnership with Singlife Philippines, a digital insurer known for making microinsurance accessible to a wider market.
Through this collaboration, HelloMoney users will soon be able to purchase affordable insurance products directly within the app, covering income loss, hospitalization, disability, and other life events.
Insurance penetration in the Philippines has long remained low, largely due to cost barriers and limited awareness. Many Filipinos still view insurance as a luxury rather than a necessity. AUB and Singlife are working to change that perception by offering simple, bite-sized policies available through a familiar digital platform — the HelloMoney app.
By embedding insurance into an e-wallet experience, long-standing barriers are eliminated. Users can now browse, pay for, and manage policies digitally, removing the need for paperwork or branch visits. It’s a model that aligns with how today’s consumers prefer to manage finances — quickly, digitally, and on mobile.
For AUB, this partnership enhances HelloMoney’s role beyond payments and transfers. For Singlife, it opens the door to millions of potential policyholders who already trust HelloMoney for their day-to-day financial needs. Together, they are redefining financial protection — transforming it from a complex product into a convenient digital service.
Expanding reach through SSS integration
AUB’s collaboration with the Social Security System (SSS) further strengthens HelloMoney’s reach and relevance. The partnership allows SSS members to receive pensions, loans, and other benefits directly through their HelloMoney wallets.
This integration taps into SSS’s massive membership base of more than 40 million Filipinos, including salaried workers, freelancers, and pensioners. For many, this means faster fund access, fewer transaction delays, and reduced dependence on physical branches or cash pick-ups.
The partnership also supports the government’s broader digitalization efforts. By enabling benefit disbursement via HelloMoney, AUB helps streamline public service delivery, reduce fraud risks, and promote cashless transactions nationwide.
From a user’s perspective, HelloMoney becomes more than a payments app — it becomes a trusted financial companion. Receiving SSS benefits directly into a digital wallet fosters regular engagement and opens the door for users to explore other features such as insurance, bill payments, or savings.
This collaboration also reinforces AUB’s position as a credible fintech partner, connecting the private and public sectors in driving the country’s digital transformation.
Charting the path to 6.5 million users
Reaching 6.5 million users by 2026 is an ambitious goal, but AUB’s strategy is both targeted and achievable. Its partnerships with Singlife and SSS focus on key segments with strong growth potential — including wage earners, small business owners, freelancers, and retirees.
The dual approach of integrating financial protection and government disbursement services ensures HelloMoney stays relevant to users’ diverse financial needs. Insurance brings peace of mind, while direct benefit access offers convenience — both crucial drivers of user loyalty.
However, as AUB Executive Vice President Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr. noted, user acquisition is only the beginning.Retaining and engaging users will determine HelloMoney’s long-term success. To sustain growth, AUB must deliver a seamless experience and expand its ecosystem with more value-added services such as savings tools, remittance features, and micro-loans.
Competition in the e-wallet market remains fierce, with giants like GCash and Maya leading the pack. AUB’s advantage lies in its credibility as a regulated bank and its unique blend of private innovation and government collaboration.
By positioning HelloMoney as a comprehensive financial ecosystem rather than a single-use wallet, AUB can carve out a strong niche among Filipinos seeking secure and reliable digital platforms.
Toward an inclusive digital future
AUB’s HelloMoney is a prepaid account that provides Filipinos with an easy and convenient way of banking that is always within reach through their mobile devices. Its story mirrors the broader evolution of the Philippine fintech industry — one where collaboration drives inclusion.
By combining the strengths of a traditional bank, a digital insurer, and a national institution, HelloMoney is redefining how Filipinos interact with money.
To know more about HelloMoney, visit https://www.facebook.com/hellomoneybyaub/.
If successful, achieving the 6.5 million-user milestone by 2026 will not only mark a major win for AUB, but also for the Philippines’ ongoing digital transformation. Millions of Filipinos stand to gain easier access to essential services — from receiving benefits and managing savings to securing affordable insurance.
Ultimately, AUB’s initiative is more than a growth strategy — it’s a statement of purpose: that financial technology can be both profitable and inclusive.
Through smart partnerships and user-focused design, the bank is proving that digital finance can move beyond convenience to create real social and economic impact.
