🇵🇭📊 Lemoneyd News – Your Weekly Rundown of the Biggest Fintech News in PH

Hey everyone! Hope you’re having a great weekend. 🙂

Here are the biggest fintech news stories from this week. Enjoy reading! 💛

🏦 SSS & UnionBank Launch LoanLite to Combat Loan Sharks

The Social Security System (SSS) and UnionBank have teamed up to launch SSS LoanLite, a short‑term microloan program designed to protect members from predatory lending. Loan amounts range from ₱5,000 to ₱20,000 with repayment terms between 15 to 90 days, and an annual interest rate of 8% plus a service fee. Applications are fully digital, with funds disbursed directly to UnionBank accounts or MySSS Cards.

SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro said the initiative is part of a broader push for financial inclusion and digital access, aiming to grow the loan book to ₱40 billion within two years. UnionBank CEO Ana Delgado called it a “socially responsive” product tailored to help members in urgent financial need without trapping them in long‑term debt.

💳 Chinabank Launches @Home Visa Platinum for Filipino Families

Chinabank has introduced the CBC @Home Visa Platinum, the country’s first credit card designed specifically for Filipino households. Targeted at primary income earners aged 25 – 45, the card offers family‑centric benefits like a ₱4,000 SM Supermarket voucher, up to ₱1,500 monthly cashback, waived annual fees for supplementary cards, and 0% installment plans for school and medical bills.

VP Nina Reynoso says the card fills a “white space” in the market by focusing on shared family goals rather than individual perks. The card is also made from recycled plastic, reinforcing Chinabank’s sustainability commitment.

📉 PSEi Falls Below 6,000 Amid Corruption Woes & Peso Weakness

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) broke the 6,000 barrier on Monday, while the peso weakened further to the 58 level against the US dollar as alleged corruption in government flood control projects unsettled investors.

This was the index’s worst finish in almost six months, or since it closed at 5,822.85 on April 7, which was also the last time the PSEi ended below the 6,000 mark. Analysts said the peso’s continued decline against the dollar also weighed on market sentiment. The local currency sank to a fresh two-month low of P58.196 per dollar on Tuesday, down 5.10 centavos from the previous day.

Traders warned that if growth downgrades continue and political instability persists, the index could slide further toward the 5,500 level.

🌐 Western Union Launches PH App with ‘Request Money’ Feature

Western Union has launched its new mobile app in the Philippines — the first global market to feature both send and request money capabilities. Users can send funds abroad using QR Ph, and request money from contacts in the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore. The app supports payouts via bank deposit, e‑wallet, or cash pickup.

With a daily transaction limit of ₱820,000 and real‑time tracking via MTCN, the app aims to modernize remittance flows and make cross‑border money movement more flexible. VP Gregory Laurent says the Philippines was chosen for launch due to its fast‑paced digitization and remittance‑driven economy.

💖 All Glitter, No Filler: Maya Launches Pink Glitter Edition

Maya has unveiled the Pink Glitter Edition Maya Card, a limited‑release Visa card priced at ₱450 and available exclusively through the Maya app. Designed to “add sparkle to your shopping,” the card supports in‑store and online purchases and links directly to the Maya Wallet for easy fund tracking.

The launch coincides with Maya’s BLACKPINK concert promo, where cardholders can earn raffle entries for VIP tickets and fan experiences. The Pink Glitter Edition is part of Maya’s push to blend lifestyle, fandom, and financial access into one glitter‑coated package.

Thanks for reading! See you next Friday for the next edition 😊