AXA Group Completes Sale of AXA Investment Managers to BNP Paribas

AXA Group confirms the completed sale of AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) to BNP Paribas, one of the world’s largest and most trusted asset managers, for a total transaction value of €5.4 billion.* The move is aimed at strengthening AXA’s investment capabilities while continuing to deliver strong value to customers.

For AXA Philippines, as one of the AXA Group’s key markets, this means that while transitions are in place, customers can expect uninterrupted service and continued stability. AXA IM will continue to be the target fund provider of AXA Philippines’ investment-linked life insurance global funds, namely, the AXA Global Dynamic Allocation Fund (Stable, Multi-Asset, Growth – Peso and Dollar) and the AXA Global Edge Equity Fund (Peso and Dollar). There will be no immediate changes to AXA IM’s business, its legal entity name, fund managers, fund names, and investment strategies.

“This strategic partnership allows us to tap into the global expertise of BNP Paribas while continuing to offer our customers the same expertise they expect from AXA. It aligns with our long-term vision to provide trusted, innovative, and effective solutions that will help Filipinos achieve their financial goals,” said Ayman Kandil, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. “Our customers can be assured that their investments remain in good hands and that there will be no disruption in fund performance monitoring, customer support, or access to investment insights.”

AXA Philippines Launches the Emma DigiZone in Makati

(L-R) Chief Communications Officer Bernadette Chincuanco, Customer Experience Director Necy Santiago, Customer Channels Director Diane Begaso, Chief Transformation and Technology Officer Caloi Santos, and Chief Human Resources Officer Sharon Hernandez

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing insurance providers, announced the launch of its first Emma DigiZone at the AXA Service Center Makati branch. This new self-service kiosk is designed to make insurance services more accessible and empower customers to manage their policies with greater ease and convenience through the Emma by AXA PH mobile application.

The Emma by AXA PH app is a digital platform that empowers its customers to conveniently manage their insurance policies anytime, anywhere. By introducing the Emma DigiZone within key branches, AXA brings this technology closer to its customers—serving as a direct gateway to self-service features that simplify insurance transactions. Through these zones, AXA aims to improve the experience for customers by making it easier to register or log in to the Emma by AXA app—with on-site Branch Services Specialists (BSS) ready to guide them through the process and help them explore its features.

AXA Philippines and Toyota launch first Pay-How-You-Drive insurance product in the country

 Get premium incentives based on how you drive with Connected Toyota Insure

Leading insurance provider AXA Philippines together with leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially launched Connected Toyota Insure, the first Pay-How-You Drive car insurance product in the country.

Connected Toyota Insure is an advanced and comprehensive car insurance product under MyToyota Connect suite of services that considers how the vehicle is used when computing the premium due. This insurance product makes use of a connected device, a technology that monitors vehicles via a network to achieve safe, secure, comfortable, and convenient vehicle usage which users can access through the MyToyota app. Customers will be given a driving score based on their driving habits such as cornering, braking, and acceleration.  A higher score with low mileage driven corresponds to a bigger premium discount wherein customers can receive a renewal premium reduction of up to 25%.

AXA Philippines helps make insurance accessible, affordable, and relevant for all

For many Filipinos, one financial setback can easily drive them to poverty. This highlights the need for means to protect their finances and livelihood through accessible and affordable ways. AXA Philippines understands the difficulty of living in uncertainty, which is why the insurer has made it part of its mission to make financial security more inclusive  through its insurance products.

Protecting the most vulnerable

The local emerging market for insurance is composed of 50-70% of the working population. These are the people that are most at risk to feel the brunt of financial challenges and would benefit from financial protection the most. Majority come from the low-income to middle-income segment like retail workers and tricycle drivers, sari-sari store owners, teachers, business process outsourcing (BPO) employees, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Go for worry-free adventures this summer

Travel is back in full swing, and according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the country’s air passengers quadrupled to 15.93 million for domestic trips alone for the first nine months of 2022, and 6.3 million for international, increasing threefold from 2021.

Bet you also caught the travel bug! Whether you go local or international this summer, it’s always best to be prepared.  Here are tips on how you can plan that well-deserved summer trip: 

AXA PH Tech Chief among top 100 leaders in ASEAN

AXA Philippines Chief Technology and Transformation Officer Carlos “Caloi” Santos was recognized as one of the top 100 tech leaders in ASEAN and Hong Kong by CIO100 2022 during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. CIO 100 awards outstanding tech achievements delivered by individuals and organizations alike

AXA Philippines Chief Technology and Transformation Officer Carlos “Caloi” Santos was recently awarded as one of the top 100 tech leaders in ASEAN and Hong Kong by CIO 100 2022 at a special ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“In these times of rapid change in our customers' needs, we see it fit for technology to adapt,” Santos shares. “This award recognizes how AXA Philippines values and works on its digital transformation, as well as how it leverages its capabilities to provide better service to its customers and be more attuned with their needs."

AXA Philippines partners with Bixie to empower women through insurance

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, has partnered with online financial literacy platform Bixie to make insurance more accessible to women.

As part of the partnership, AXA Philippines’ micro insurance products will be available via the Bixie app. Those interested to apply will go through a less complicated application process, which is one of the barriers for people to get insurance. The application involves less paperwork, making it easier to purchase insurance and get themselves protected. The partnership is a significant step to make insurance even more accessible to the everyday Filipino, especially women.

AXA Philippines recognized for protecting MSMEs

Dally Dalisay, Senior Relationship Manager of AXA Philippines (left), receives a plaque of appreciation  from Dr. Alexander Jaeger, Program Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ) Regulatory Framework Promotion of Pro-poor Insurance Markets in Asia (GIZ RFPI Asia) (right).

AXA Philippines was recently recognized by its partner Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) during the latter’s Regulatory Framework Promotion of Pro-poor Insurance Markets in Asia (RFPI) Closing Ceremony held at the New Coast Hotel in Manila.

Through GIZ RFPI, AXA was lauded for its development of MicroBiz Protek Jr., a property microinsurance product designed for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier. It insures microenterprises against calamities and provides coverage for burglary and robbery. The product also offers emergency assistance available in the Emma by AXA PH mobile app, which gives users free access to services such as ambulance, roadside, fire, and police assistance, while policyholders can pay their premiums through the app, among other things.

AXA Philippines wins Health Insurance Initiative of the Year at Insurance Asia Awards 2022

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, recently won Health Insurance Initiative of the Year - Philippines at the Insurance Asia Awards 2022 their latest health insurance offering, Health Care Access. The product stood out among other contenders who were judged based on their level of innovation, effectiveness, impact, and dynamism.

Insurance Asia Awards is a prestigious event by Asian publication Insurance Asia that recognizes insurance firms that successfully navigate around various market challenges whilst keeping clients satisfied and maintaining their revenue. In 2021, AXA also won International General Insurer of the Year (Philippines) and the Mobile App of the Year for their Emma by AXA PH app in the Insurance Asia Awards.

“AXA has long been committed to protecting what matters most to our customers. We always want to be there for them, ready to cater to their needs. When the pandemic struck, the challenge of having access to affordable health protection became more apparent. This is why we wanted to expand our health protection offers to more Filipinos. So in 2021, AXA launched Health Care Access to address this. And the success of this product and the recognition from the Insurance Asia Awards is a testament to its relevance. Furthermore, it inspires us to continue innovating to provide health and financial security solutions to even more Filipinos,” said Gael Lapie, AXA Philippines CEO In-Charge and Chief Financial Officer.

AXA Philippines partners with Cropital to uplift Filipino farmers

Despite being an agricultural country, Filipino farmers still face many challenges. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the top challenges faced by our small-scale farmers are lack of capital, low price of palay or unmilled rice, high cost of inputs, labor problems, lack of postharvest facilities, pest and diseases, and poor irrigation systems^[1].

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has partnered with Cropital, a financing and marketing platform for smallholder farmers, to promote inclusive protection and financial literacy. Cropital is a globally recognized organization that aims to support Filipino farmers by helping provide them with a sure market for their produce and giving them access to affordable capital through their Sustainability Fund.

Through this partnership, AXA Philippines has committed to donate a minimum of Php 100,000 to Cropital’s Sustainability Fund, which can provide loan access and capital to farmers from Cropital’s partner communities. AXA Philippines will also be conducting a financial literacy and savings program for more long-term benefits for the partner farmers.

AXA PH volunteers join forces for good

Annually, insurance company AXA organizes one full week dedicated to sustainability. The AXA Week for Good, the highlight of the purpose-led company’s year-long corporate responsibility activities, aims to celebrate the ability of AXA employees to take positive action by offering their time and skills to support our two sustainability pillars: climate change & biodiversity and inclusive protection.

In the Philippines, the volunteer activities kicked off with two simultaneous events: a meal packing session for the benefit of Rise Against Hunger Philippines, and solar light building in partnership with Liter of Light. Rise Against Hunger is an organization committed to ending hunger and malnutrition, while Liter of Light is a global non-profit organization that provides sustainable and affordable lights to people with limited or no access to electricity.

AXA Philippines supports marine environmental education through Emma by AXA

AXA has long been guided by its sustainability pillars centered around climate change and biodiversity, as well as inclusive protection. In the Philippines, the company has partnered with numerous groups and causes that share the same advocacy. This August, AXA Philippines is partnering with Oceanus Conservation, a science-based non-profit environmental organization focusing on the conservation and restoration of blue carbon habitats in the Philippines, to promote ocean literacy to Filipino children.

Being an archipelago, the Philippines has a rich biodiversity. However, access to marine environmental education remains limited around the country. Oceanus aims to invest in the future of Filipinos through marine environmental education in local communities and marine-field programs that promote better appreciation of the country’s marine life. Recently, they launched their second educational children’s storybook, “Ocean Adventures with Cory,” that shines a light on the impact of climate change on coral reefs.

Mistakes to avoid when buying a car insurance

As the world starts to open up, Filipinos are now enjoying more mobility – more people are returning to onsite work, traveling to provinces, and visiting their hometowns, among others. This means that more people are spending time on the road again more often. Total car sales also reached 292,842 units in 2021, an increase from the 244,274 units sold in 2020, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. (AVID).

Buying a vehicle is a huge investment, and one that you need to protect. One way to do this is by having a reliable insurance product that protects your vehicle as well your loved ones from harm and third party liabilities. It will also have more financial benefits for you in the long run, and with the recent oil price hikes, we don’t want to add more unnecessary expenses.

If you are considering buying a car soon or renewing your insurance policy, AXA Philippines Retail Propositions Senior Segment Manager for AXA Car Insurance OT Monzon shares some common mistakes to watch out for when choosing a car insurance:

AXA Philippines commemorates IDAHOBIT in support of the LGBTQIA+ community

As a company that values diversity and inclusion as a strong and integral part of its culture, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, held a panel discussion with its employees to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this year with the theme, “Our Bodies, Our Rights, Our Lives.” This is in time for Pride Month and in line with AXA’s continued commitment to fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community by standing up and speaking out against hate, discrimination, and violence.

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder and recognized it as a natural variant of human sexuality. This milestone now marks an annual celebration of sexual and gender diversity, known as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which helps educate people and raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.

AXA Philippines and GrowSari offer free insurance to sari-sari store owners

AXA Philippines and GrowSari representatives during the memorandum of agreement signing. The partnership will offer free life insurance and a Daily Hospital Income benefit for Gold members of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program.

Many small businesses like sari-sari stores are constantly at risk of encountering financial challenges. According to the World Bank, at least 81 percent of informal retailers like sari-sari stores suffered job losses at the height of the pandemic in 2020. With a relatively small capital, which they use to sustain daily operations, these micro enterprises are badly affected when the owner gets sick or hospitalized, especially when this is their main source of income.

AXA Philippines, She Talks Asia help women ‘Feel Seen’ at 2022 summit

 

As part of its Women’s Month activities, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, was a major sponsor for this year’s She Talks Asia Summit. This event is the flagship program by She Talks Asia, which celebrates women and focuses on empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. This year’s theme, Feel Seen, highlights the value of embracing one’s self-worth and achieving one’s full potential in order to create the change we want to see in the world.

The virtual summit was attended by women from diverse backgrounds, all with a unique story to tell.  AXA Philippines Head of Emerging Customers Meek Villanueva sat down for the “Stand Up, Feel Seen” forum and discussed how to navigate one’s personal and professional life and become empowered while finding your own voice and purpose.

AXA supports Save the Children Philippines for IWD

 

AXA Philippines marketing communications director Laura Del Rosario (left) turning over check donation to Save the Children senior manager for corporate partnerships Natalia Tabal.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, AXA donated USD5,000 to Save the Children Philippines as part of its pledge in a recent social media promotion that encouraged people to show their support and take part in the worldwide Break the Bias campaign. Save the Children, the world’s leading independent children’s organization, has been working in the Philippines for over four decades and is dedicated to helping children.

The promo also highlights AXA‘s partnership with Filipino-Japanese professional golfer and 2021 US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso, who resonates with the brand’s “Know You Can” message, which underscores the brand’s continuing support for women in sports. This is rooted in the understanding that confidence is essential for people to achieve their goals.

How good oral hygiene can help prevent critical illnesses

Brushing and flossing regularly are essential in maintaining good oral health.

With all the health-related matters we need to juggle during this time, dental concerns often take the backseat. However, good oral hygiene should never be neglected because, aside from preventing cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, it also helps protect us from serious health conditions later on, such as heart disease.

While it may be difficult to see the link between bad oral health and our overall health, researchers have discovered that there is a connection between declining oral health and underlying systematic conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, your oral health may contribute to various diseases and conditions, such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, as well as pneumonia. Practicing good oral hygiene is a key step that can help prevent these illnesses linked with dental health.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, reminds us that the age-old wisdom on oral care, along with some new technological methods, are still as effective as ever, and offers these tips to protect your oral health:

Understanding the bigger picture of responsible investing

AXA Philippines, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently organized the “Road to Net-Zero: The look inside China’s quest to champion climate action” forum, hosted and moderated by Zaid Alrifai, Head of Architas Asia. Architas is a global asset manager under the AXA Group that manages investments on behalf of institutional and retail clients. This is the last installment of a three-part webinar series that advocates responsible investing.

During this Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) webinar, Aidan Yao, Senior Emerging Asia Economist of AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) talked about how achieving the Paris Accord’s aim for carbon-neutrality can be a challenge without the immediate action of countries with high carbon dioxide emissions.

AXA Asia and Africa Sponsors LPGA Golfer Yuka Saso, Winner of US Women’s Open 2021

 

Partnership grounded in shared belief in confidence
as the foundation of success

AXA Asia and Africa today announced its partnership with Japanese-Filipina professional golfer Yuka Saso, winner of the 2021 US Women’s Open (USWO) and currently ranked #8 in the world. This marks the first time the brand has partnered with an Asian sports champion at the regional level.

The partnership was inspired by Yuka’s embodiment of AXA’s brand signature, “Know You Can”, which is rooted in the understanding that confidence is essential for people to successfully achieve their goals. She attracted global attention with her win at The Olympic Club in June of this year, tied for the recognition of being the youngest USWO champion of all time. The sponsorship also underlines AXA Asia and Africa’s commitment to celebrating women in sports, helping to support the development of Yuka’s career while raising awareness of gender inclusion through her inspiring story.