Western Union Launches New Mobile App in the Philippines

MANILA, 1 OCTOBER 2025 – Western Union today announced the launch of a new mobile app in the Philippines, giving millions of consumers in the country the power to send funds abroad, enjoying competitive FX rates in the process, and request remittances in a new way that adds convenience and flexibility. The Philippines is the first global market where Western Union launches an app with both send and request capabilities. 

 

Consumers who download and use the app can send funds abroad seamlessly, and through Western Union’s global financial network gain access to billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and hundreds of thousands of retail locations for cash payout. To send funds, app users have the option to pay online securely using the national QR code payment method ‘QR Ph’. Signing up to use the app is easy and takes up only a few minutes.  

Equally, consumers who use the app can request funds from senders in the U.S., Australia, Singapore the UK and several other global markets with large Filipino diasporas present¹, simply by filling their receiver info. Senders will then be able to complete the transaction online from the country they reside in. Receivers have multiple options to access their funds: cash withdrawal at a retail location, deposit to bank account or directly to a digital wallet, depending on the market. Additionally, when funds are sent by Senders from abroad to the Philippines, their Receivers will be able to redirect the funds to their preferred bank account or digital wallet2. Consumers can track their transfers by entering the transaction tracking number (MTCN)​ in the app. 

 

“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our effort to serve consumers in the Philippines better and connect them to their families and loved ones across the world,” said Gregory Laurent, Vice President for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands at Western Union. “For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad. Our new app gives the opportunity to do both, with the flexibility and trust that Western Union can provide.”  

According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances to the Philippines reached an all-time high of $38bn in 2024. According to the World Bank, the Philippines had the fourth-highest remittance levels among low- and middle-income countries last year. The United States was the biggest source of cash remittances in 2024, followed by Singapore.  

 

The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.

GCash, Western Union Expand Global ‘Cash In’ to Over 200 Markets to Serve More Filipinos Globally

The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, is expanding its global ‘cash in’ feature through a strategic partnership with Western Union, one of the world’s most trusted international money transfer providers, with a global financial network spanning over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

 

Filipinos living and working overseas may ‘cash in’ (send money) to GCash e-wallet accounts through the Western Union App, website, or through a network of hundreds of thousands of retail locations worldwide. Additionally, they can also send funds to their families and friends with GCash accounts. Once completed, funds are credited instantly to the GCash wallet and can be used immediately for essentials such as groceries, bills, online shopping, savings, insurance, or even investments. Customers can now send up to PHP 500,000 per transaction.

 

“At GCash, we remain committed to driving financial empowerment for all Filipinos, wherever they are in the world,” said GCash International general manager Paul Albano. “This collaboration with Western Union enables fast, secure, and reliable remittances, ensuring that the hard-earned money of OFWs reaches their families swiftly and safely.”

 

Western Union’s global scale now connects with the extensive local cashless ecosystem of GCash—the largest in the country. GCash users in the Philippines benefit from over 339,000 cash-in and cash-out outlets, 5.2 million QR-accepting merchants, and more than 520 partner brands on the GLife platform. 

 

Gregory Laurent, regional vice president, Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands for Western Union, said, “our partnership with GCash, one the the Philippines’ most respected financial services brands, enables us to stay true to our purpose of serving the aspiring populations of the world with accessible, easy-to-use services, particularly in the digital space. It is yet another mark of the importance we place on the Philippines and consumers in the country, as well as the Filipino diaspora abroad.”

 

For millions of OFWs, this integration removes long-standing friction in the remittance process and strengthens their ability to support their families from afar. GCash continues to evolve from a money transfer platform into a holistic digital finance hub that serves the needs of Filipinos, wherever they may be.

 

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), personal remittances from OFWs reached USD 38 billion in 2024, an all-time high and accounting for over 8% of the country’s GDP.

 

“While digital adoption is accelerating, a significant portion of these remittances is still routed through over-the-counter channels. The integration of GCash with Western Union provides a digital-first alternative that empowers OFWs and their families to manage money more efficiently, securely, and on their terms,” said Albano.

Western Union Appoints Ricardo Alair to Lead Operations Across the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau

MANILA, 25 JUNE 2025 - Western Union today announced the appointment of Ricardo Alair as Director for the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. His appointment comes as the Company accelerates its growth strategy, expanding access to financial services for customers across the region.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo to Western Union.,” said Gregory Laurent, Western Union’s Regional Vice President for Japan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands. “His extensive experience in financial services and telecoms, paired with a sharp understanding of the local market, makes him uniquely positioned to lead our operations in the Philippines and neighboring territories. Ricardo’s leadership will play a key role in enhancing our customer experience and driving meaningful impact across the communities we serve.”

 

With over 20 years of experience across financial services, telecommunications and business strategy, Alair brings a strong track record of innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth. He spent more than 14 years at Globe Telecom in senior leadership roles. This included eight years under its Mobile Financial Services unit, GCASH, where he was instrumental in shaping business operations and corporate planning.

 

Most recently, Alair served as Deputy General Manager at Lulu Money Philippines. Here he led the launch of the Company’s e-wallet business - overseeing startup operations, product development and full-scale deployment.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Alair said, “It is a privilege to join Western Union at such a transformative moment for the industry. The Philippines and surrounding markets have vibrant, fast-moving financial ecosystems and I am excited to drive Western Union’s next phase of innovation and progress. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to bring trusted, relevant solutions that truly support our customers as their needs evolve and grow.”

 

Western Union has been operating in the Philippines for over three decades, connecting customers to their loved ones globally through its physical and digital channels. The Company remains committed to supporting the financial journeys of individuals, families and communities through trusted international money transfer services.