UnionBank champions AI-driven future at inaugural Sonai 2025

AT the Philippine Global AI Council's "State of the Nation in AI (Sonai)" congress, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) showcased its leadership in AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and strengthen cybersecurity.

SONAI 2025 gathered policymakers, industry leaders and academics to shape a national AI strategy. Global AI Council founder Kate Hancock emphasized AI education and accessibility to prevent digital disparities.

FUTURE-READY PH ‘State of the Nation in AI’ organizers and speakers collaborate to shape a national AI strategy. PHOTO FROM UNIONBANK

UnionBank's AI Center of Excellence head, Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, highlighted AI's role in enhancing cybersecurity. "We use AI to analyze transactional behavior and detect suspicious activity early. It also improves operational efficiency — our AI model has significantly reduced false positives in suspicious transaction reporting, allowing investigators to focus on real threats."

"Bad actors will continue using AI, so we must anticipate, adapt, and proactively wield its advancements," Heinrich added, stressing AI transforms jobs rather than eliminates them — much like ATMs and mobile banking reshaped banking roles.

Donald Lim, president of Global AI Council Philippines, urged the country to lead in AI adoption.

Chairman Brian Poe Llamanzares reinforced AI's role in economic growth and competitiveness.

UnionBank remains committed to ethical AI adoption, driving security, innovation and progress.

For more information, visit www.unionbankph.com or follow UnionBank on social media.

UnionBank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.