Integrity in Banking

LLollies and sweets, bonny treats, and toys line shop windows—little desires belonging to the child, whose mind is an oasis without worry. To feel the cold touch of metal in your hand, from a coin drawn from a small ceramic bank, it’s a simple pleasure, one that we lose as we grow older. As adults, we concern ourselves less with things we deem frivolities, such as candies and dolls, and fret about more things like food and housing. But, somehow, that little piggy bank is no longer enough to help us with money matters. As our lives get more sophisticated, so does our need for financial management.

Financial institutions like banks are essential for a cash-based society like the Philippines. However, most Filipinos prefer face-to-face transactions. This makes the bank an integral part of Philippine society.

The relationship between banker and client is crucial. First, the banker must gain the client’s trust. According to Myra Buensuceso, it is not an easy thing to form but one that requires effort, energy, and sincerity--but decades of experience make Myra a true veteran banker. Her branch is one of the busiest in her community which says something about Myra’s approach: sincerity and efficiency.

“At this point in time of my 28 years of banking life, I was able to help a lot of dear valued clients achieve their wealth that has prospered in their investments. My heart is full, finding them as happy customers,” Myra said. “I find it very meaningful, especially if our efficient banking approach made an impact by helping our clients increase their wealth through our diversified products and services. Even though it may be hard work, it’s worth it in the end. We do many follow-ups, cold calls, visits, and emails. With this, they feel the warm welcome of our presence. They gain trust and confidence that exceeds over many years of a good banking relationship.”

For Myra, banking is more than a way to help people—it’s a way to make friendships. “My purpose, I think, is to have an impact on other people’s lives,” she says. “The Lord Almighty blessed me this way so I can be a blessing to other people. I am just a channel for kindness, which is why I decided to go into banking—because a banker must be kind and a friend, more than just a worker. And a friend is someone you can trust. If you can build trust, you’re building something that can last, versus if you’re just building something for the sake of building now—you’re not making something that will be there for a while. And so you won’t get anything from it. You have to create pillars that are strong and long-lasting.”

Thanks to dedicated bankers like Myra, Filipinos will have a shoulder to lean on when it comes to finances and the realities of adulthood. With help from such a friend like Myra, we can learn to look at our wallet in a way that will make us feel better—maybe even bring back those lollies and sweets, and with the same manner of satisfaction.