PNB Savings Bank said it opened its first fully digital branch in San Juan City with no tellers and largely paperless transactions.
The new branch is equipped with interactive touchscreens, self-service kiosks, tablets, chatbots and full-function automated teller machines, among others.
In place of bank tellers, “universal officers” are on-site to assist clients in getting used to the new technology, open accounts and recommend financial products.
“This fully digital branch is much more than just a showcase of the new digital technologies in banking. It is an actual channel that efficiently connects you to new opportunities,” PNB Savings Bank President Jovencio Hernandez was quoted as saying in the statement.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed president of PNB Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso said the bank will continue to pursue innovation.
PNB is the latest bank to turn to technology to reduce the need for bank branch staff.
Last year, UnionBank of the Philippines launched a fully digital branch, which was branded “The ARK” in Makati, with plans to open more in Taguig, Cebu and Davao by converting existing branches.
Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippines Islands has said that it adopted a so-called “omni-channel” strategy with digital platforms complementing traditional modes of banking.
PNB, the country’s fifth-biggest bank, announced in September that it will absorb PNB Savings Bank, subject to regulatory approval.
Once combined, the lender will have a total of 707 branches and over 1,390 automated teller machines, on top of 70 overseas offices. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

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