Whitecloak Technologies Inc.

PROBLEM

UnionDigital realized that most if not all banks cater to the mid- to upper- income-earning individuals or users based in Metro Manila, which leaves a gap for lower- to lower-mid income-earning individuals and users from other provinces.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a banking app that embraces individuals in all social classes.

SOLUTION

Create an accessible banking app that can be easily used and understood not just by high-income earners, but also by lower-income earning individuals.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
  
  KEY FEATURES

Personalized recommendations and curated content tailored to each user’s preferences

Simplified digital transactions and secure payment processes

Real-time updates and proactive notifications for staying informed on important matters

Intuitive navigation and user-friendly interface for effortless app exploration

Frictionless integration with UnionDigital’s ecosystem for a cohesive digital experience

Customizable settings and preferences for personalized control

Enhanced security measures to protect user data and privacy

Vast collection of informative content on financial literacy and financial management

Cash in and out options through remittance centers

Provincial service provider payment options

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The UnionDigital mobile app is now one of the most profitable digital banks in the Philippines in less than 1 year of operations, and has been awarded the best digital-only bank in the country by The Asian Banker in 2023. With over 100,000 users nationwide, UnionDigital strives to continuously improve their app and provide services that not only reaches more Filipinos but empowers them through accessible banking experience tailored just for them.

When White Cloak won the U:HAC competition hosted by UnionBank in 2016, the UnionBank executives entrusted their UnionBank Online Banking project to White Cloak, who replaced an internationally renowned vendor that specialized in banking apps. The client experienced frustration because, even after nine months, the previous vendor still wasn’t able to deliver a product that’s aligned with their vision.

Facing the challenge of re-doing the entire app, White Cloak Technologies accepted the task. Despite the complexity of UnionBank’s vision, White Cloak completed the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for the UnionBank Online App in an industry-defying four months, showcasing agility and technical prowess.

This transition marked a turning point, highlighting White Cloak’s ability to meet challenging timelines while delivering exceptional results. The successful completion of the MVP positioned UnionBank on a trajectory of digital innovation and success.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
• Ongoing feature improvements

Challenges Faced

PROBLEMS: Incremental migration of existing users

SOLUTIONS: Implemented a two-month coexistence period on Playstore/App Store, prompting users to download the new app during login on the old app and initiating the migration process.

PROBLEMS: Updating user details/profiles across multiple channels

SOLUTIONS: Established three channels (app, customer hotline, branches), interconnected to a middleware layer directly linked to Finacle, the UB core banking system, allowing customers to update their details seamlessly.

PROBLEMS: Transition of customers from previous application

SOLUTIONS: Executed a carefully planned transition strategy to ensure a smooth shift for customers, building on the incremental migration approach.

PROBLEMS: Challenges in translating mobile app branding elements seamlessly in the UX/UI design.

SOLUTIONS: Applied meticulous attention to ensure a smooth and coherent translation of mobile app branding elements, maintaining a consistent user experience and interface design.

PROBLEMS: Delays in API availability from third-party vendors

SOLUTIONS: Implemented an extensive API planning process, documenting requirements, request bodies, parameters, and responses. Shared this document with vendors to enable parallel development, ensuring a seamless connection upon API readiness.

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

In a remarkable timeline of achievements, the UnionBank Online App witnessed a swift evolution from its MVP release within the initial three months to an internal release after six months. Surpassing expectations, the app achieved a public release milestone within the first year of development. The crowning moment came with the app being honored as the prestigious “#1 Digital Banking App of the Year” in 2018, a testament to its rapid success, user acceptance, and industry recognition. They then went on to become the only digital banking app to win the award 4 years in a row until 2021.

PROBLEM

RLC identified a significant gap in their digitalization strategy, observing that competitors had surged ahead in the realm of digital mall and retail experiences

OBJECTIVE

To develop their digital platform, not only to catch up to competitors, but to surpass them

SOLUTION

Create a distinctive and advanced digital experience that redefines industry standards and position RLC as a trailblazer in modern retail

SERVICE

App development

TECH STACK

Flutter, NodeJS, NestJS

METHODOLOGY

Agile Scrum

NUMBER OF DOWNLOADS (AS OF 17 NOVEMBER 2023)

318,111

SCOPE OF WORK
 

• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
• Ongoing maintenance and support

KEY FEATURES

• Access to app-exclusive vouchers, discounts, and promotions
• Comprehensive list of shops, boutiques, and eateries, including a transportation directory
• Shop locator feature
• Announcements about upcoming promotions and events
• Purchasing and sending of Robinsons Malls electronic gift certificates (e-GCs)
• In-app games and raffles
• Movieworld booking
• Registration of your pet ID through the Happy Pets club in the app
• Virtual shopping assistants, Robbie and Rosie
  
  RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

In the realm of mobile applications, user engagement is a critical factor for success. On average, most apps struggle with a meager 30-day retention rate of 3-4%, and over 40% uninstalls within the first month of installation. Contrary to this trend, the RMalls app, launched in December 2021, boasts an impressive 10% average active user rate, indicating robust user retention and ongoing usage.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ABOUT THE COMPLAINT PROCESSES OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES?
 

Introducing GAB, or “Gabay Sa Tamang Reklamo”, the Philippines’ first interactive platform for inquiries and complaints about everything consumer-related, brought to you by Albay ConsumerNet and DTI Albay. Access over a dozen government agencies with just one AI chatbot with GAB, powered by Pixie!

SCOPE OF WORK: TRANSFORMING CONSUMER GRIEVANCES INTO ACTION
 

GAB is the AI chatbot of the ConsumerNet program! Gab aims to provide the mechanism for the speedy resolution of consumer complaints and facilitate the flow of consumer information. Through GAB, consumers can effortlessly navigate inquiries and complaints related to various government agencies, ensuring a seamless and efficient resolution process.

CHALLENGES FACED: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY IN CONSUMER COMPLAINT HANDLING

The major pain point faced by government agencies that GAB aims to solve is the proper routing of consumer complaints. Often, complaints are sent to incorrect agencies, leading to delays and inefficiencies across all of the member agencies. GAB ensures that consumer complaints are accurately routed to the appropriate agency with jurisdiction for proper resolution.

KEY FEATURES: LEVERAGING ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The heart of GAB lies in its simplicity. With just a simple file upload containing existing policies, DTI Albay and the rest of the Albay ConsumerNet program can leverage on AI to comprehend the nature of consumer queries and intelligently respond to them – without lifting a single finger!

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: EMPOWERING CONSUMERS, STRENGTHENING MARKET INTEGRITY

Albay ConsumerNet members who participated in GAB include the National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and Consumer Groups like DTI, BSP, NTC, SEC, DOH, PNP, DA, BFAR, PDIC, IC, DOE, SRA, PCA, DA, FDA, and DENR.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to enhance consumer protection by fostering a responsive and transparent system. GAB has garnered significant attention, with features in Radio Pilipinas and news reaching the Presidential Communications Office.

TRY GAB TODAY!

Head on to Albay ConsumerNet and try GAB today! Experience the convenience of navigating consumer inquiries and complaints with just a few clicks. GAB, powered by Pixie, is revolutionizing consumer protection and empowering consumers in Albay.

BACKGROUND:
 

Splurge Art, developed by White Cloak Technologies, is a pioneering social network for the AI art community, conceived and executed by Filipino talents.

OBJECTIVE:
 

The app aims to revolutionize the art scene by blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression, offering users an immersive platform to discover, trade, and celebrate AI-generated art. With a mix of artists with different interests and art styles from around the world, artworks in Splurge Art are diverse and inclusive which makes it a great platform for everyone. 

FUNCTIONALITY:
 

Users, known as swans, create AI-generated content called swanlings within Splurge Art. These creations, in the form of images or videos, form the vibrant tapestry of the platform.

FEATURES:
 

Discover and Trade: Users can explore a diverse array of AI-generated art pieces, trade them, and build their collections.

Bounties: Sponsored events, where users can participate to earn Splurge Coins (SPC) based on their entries’ rankings in leaderboards.

Profit Sharing: Investors in swans receive a share of profits whenever a swanling they own gets traded, providing an incentive for strategic investment.

IMPACT:
 

Splurge Art fosters a dynamic ecosystem where creativity thrives, artists are recognized, and users engage in a gamified experience that transcends traditional art platforms.

With its innovative approach to AI-generated art and commitment to fostering a vibrant community, Splurge Art represents a paradigm shift in the intersection of technology and creativity, spearheaded by Filipino ingenuity.