CITY Savings Bank Inc. (CitySavings) was recently awarded the “Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Digital – Banking” in the recently-concluded Philippines Technology Excellence Awards 2021 for its chatbot “Talk to Maria.”
CitySavings Senior Vice President and Marketing Head Paula Katerina S. Joson told the Business Mirror that the chatbot is one of the innovative solutions developed to help customers amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our goal is to make banking simple and be the leading mass market bank in the Philippines. We do this by delivering relevant and memorable customer experiences through our technology. We are honored and delighted to receive this award,” Joson said.
Launched in August 2019, the chatbot had the initial ability to answer product inquiries 24/7 through Facebook Messenger. The chatbot—an artificial intelligence (AI) software that can simulate a chat—also provides users with a map to the nearest CitySavings branch or ATM terminal.
Joson said the chatbot also has a motorcycle loan calculator, which gives the client an estimate of their expected monthly amortization. With this feature, Joson said clients can simply choose a motorcycle brand, their desired amount of downpayment and select the preferred loan term.
City Savings, a subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, added more features to its chatbot last May. Some of these were a loan calculator for salary loans and the ability to accept new loan applications. It provides a quick and easy way for new clients to apply for a loan online from the comfort of their own homes.
The awards program, dedicated to technological projects and innovations, aims to recognize exceptional companies that are riding the digital disruption wave and leading the technological revolution and digital transformation journeys in their respective industries.