EastWest Bank (EW) reaffirmed its commitment to growth, innovation, and customer-centricity at the Trailblazer Conference 2025, held on March 1, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel. This annual gathering brought together the bank’s management teams from across the country to celebrate milestones, align strategies, and set the course for the future.
With the theme “Ascend,” this year’s event highlighted EastWest’s remarkable transformation over the past 30 years—from a challenger bank to a major industry player—while setting the stage for its next phase of expansion and digital evolution.
As part of the Filinvest Group, EastWest is deeply embedded in a diverse and dynamic ecosystem that spans real estate, banking, power, hospitality, agriculture, and infrastructure. This year’s conference held even greater significance as it coincided with Filinvest’s 70th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates seven decades of resilience, vision, and dedication to enabling dreams.
Elevating the Banking Experience
The conference opened with Chairman Jonathan T. Gotianun (JTG) delivering a compelling message about EastWest’s journey, its people, and the forces that continue to drive its success. He highlighted the two defining elements of EastWest’s identity: relationships and innovation.
“The East represents relationships—our deep understanding of customers, our culture of warmth, and our commitment to serving with care,” JTG shared. “The West, on the other hand, symbolizes our relentless pursuit of innovation—finding better, smarter ways to serve. True success comes from harmonizing these forces to deliver real impact.”
“Like yin and yang, these forces work in balance—because innovation is only meaningful when it serves a real purpose. At the end of the day, everything we do is for our customers. Our success is only complete if we help them achieve their own dreams.” he added.
Adding to the day’s inspiration was a special appearance by Anthony Pangilinan, renowned speaker and father of EW EasyWay ambassador Donny Pangilinan, who shared insights on leadership, adaptability, and the power of resilience.
EastWest President Jackie Fernandez followed with the 2024 President’s Report, where she showcased the bank’s record-breaking achievements. This was followed by several Business Heads presenting the 2024 Performance Highlights across the bank’s various units.
Capping off the key presentations, EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo unveiled the strategic roadmap for 2025, focusing on continued growth, innovation, and strengthening customer relationships to solidify EastWest’s position among the top consumer banks in the country.
Strength in Unity: The Filinvest Group at 70
As Filinvest marks its 70th year, JTG reminded attendees that EastWest’s achievements are deeply connected to the broader success of the Filinvest Group—a conglomerate that has transformed over the decades from a humble second-hand car financing business into an industry leader across multiple sectors.
“Across the group, we continue to grow our core businesses while exploring new opportunities for expansion. Looking ahead, we want all Filinvest companies to work more closely together—creating synergies that will help us grow,” – Chairman Jonathan Gotianun on celebrating Filinvest Group’s 70th year
He added a powerful reminder: “But growth is only meaningful if we truly put ourselves in the shoes of our customers and make them our focus. After all, it is their trust that keeps our company strong.”
A Future of Boundless Potential
The EastWest Trailblazer Conference 2025 was a powerful affirmation of the bank’s limitless potential. As part of the Filinvest Group, EastWest continues to build on its strong foundation, drive economic growth, empower communities, and shape a future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
With 30 years behind us and even greater milestones ahead, EastWest is ready to Ascend.