East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is helping clients step confidently into 2026 by combining economic insights and traditional feng shui guidance during a series of exclusive events held in Pampanga and Metro Manila.
The gatherings, designed for the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking clients, offered expert perspectives on navigating the year ahead as markets continue to shift locally and globally. By blending financial analysis with cultural insight, EastWest aimed to equip its clients with tools to make informed decisions and strengthen their long-term wealth strategies.
Economist and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas shared his outlook on emerging opportunities for the Philippine economy, noting that the country remains positioned for moderate but steady growth despite global uncertainties.
“While we celebrate today, we remain mindful of the fast-paced economic landscape. The local and global markets continue to move quickly, but EastWest stands as a steady anchor, anticipating these shifts to ensure our clients and communities remain on a path of progress,” said EastWest Bank President Jackie S. Fernandez.
Strengthening its push for accessible market intelligence, EastWest also announced a strategic partnership with UA&P for the Economic Watch newsletter. The initiative will deliver curated economic updates, analysis, and market trends aimed at guiding clients as they make critical financial decisions throughout the year.
Adding a unique dimension to the discussions, feng shui expert Master Patrick Fernandez offered insights into the Year of the Fire Horse, encouraging participants to harness its dynamic and energetic influence as they plan for the months ahead.
“At EastWest, we believe that being a trusted partner means providing the foresight you need to act with confidence, especially in a year defined by such high energy and rapid momentum,” said EastWest Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management Raffy Algarra. “Whether through our Economic Watch newsletter or our evolving suite of services, we are dedicated to helping you renew your goals and strengthen your path forward.”
EastWest’s growing focus on wealth management has also earned international recognition. At the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards, the bank received the Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management award for its affluent banking segment EastWest Priority, as well as the Best Discretionary and Advisory Service Offering for its Trust and Asset Management Group.
The honors highlight EastWest’s continuing commitment to delivering high-quality financial guidance and personalized services to clients navigating an increasingly complex economic environment.