Insider Spotlight
The collaboration underscores the bank’s strategy to position “Negosyantes” at the center of its growth agenda, pairing physical marketplace exposure with digital financial tools.
What’s happening
The partnership will roll out across four major bazaar events: a summer kickoff in May, a September sale, and two holiday showcases in December. These gatherings are expected to feature hundreds of local merchants, giving them access to larger consumer audiences and integrated payment solutions.
Why it matters
For many SMEs, discoverability and transaction efficiency remain key barriers. UnionBank is betting that combining high-footfall retail events with fintech solutions can accelerate business growth and formalization.
What they’re saying
“Our year-long partnership with Soirée reaffirms our commitment to supporting homegrown businesses and highlighting their intrinsic role as the backbone of the economy,” Dino Velasco, UnionBank’s Institutional Segment marketing head, said in a press statement on May 4, 2026.
Zoom in
At the core of the initiative is the UB Negosyante app, which enables seamless transaction management and digital payments. The bank is also promoting entry-level and growth financing products, including a low-barrier business account and a revolving credit line designed for expansion and working capital needs.
Track record
The renewed tie-up builds on a strong 2025 performance, when a Soirée event drew more than 10,000 shoppers, signaling rising demand for curated local marketplaces.
Industry context
As consumer preferences tilt toward local and artisanal brands, bazaars like Soirée are evolving into critical distribution channels. Banks, in turn, are embedding themselves deeper into SME ecosystems through payments, lending, and platform-based services.
The bottom line
UnionBank’s expanded partnership reflects a broader push to digitize and scale the country’s SME sector—leveraging both on-ground commerce and financial technology to unlock growth opportunities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
