Cebuana Lhuillier Bank’s (CL Bank) Iponventure campaign has earned international acclaim with a Bronze Stevie Award for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year at the prestigious International Business Awards (IBA).
The award highlights the bank’s efforts to make saving simple, consistent and accessible for millions of Filipinos, proving that financial empowerment can begin with small, steady steps.
‘This recognition reaffirms our belief that true leadership is not measured only by growth and profit, but by how many lives we uplift and how much positive change we create. Iponventure is proof that even the simplest tools can spark a culture of saving, empower families and open doors to a brighter financial future for every Filipino,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, as he reflected on Iponventure’s global win.
At the heart of Iponventure is the IPONBOX, a simple but powerful tool that has been distributed to more than 700,000 clients nationwide. This visual savings container serves as a constant reminder to set aside even small amounts of money regularly.
Shared through branches, community events, employee programs and social media content from financial experts, the IPONBOX has grown into a recognizable symbol of the message: start small and save consistently.
The campaign also makes formal saving more accessible through Micro Savings Accounts, which can be opened with just a P50 initial deposit.
By breaking down one of the biggest barriers to banking, Iponventure empowers Filipinos to begin their savings journey. This effort is further supported by the Cebuana 24k Rewards Program, a free loyalty program that gives clients incentives for using the bank’s financial services, helping them save even more along the way.
In 2024, Iponventure opened over 1.1 million new Micro Savings accounts and raised balances among IPONBOX users. These savings have helped families handle emergencies, grow small businesses, and plan for their children’s future-showing that even modest deposits create real security.
Unlike short-term campaigns, Iponventure drives lasting behavior change by combining practical tools, financial education, and community involvement, making saving a daily habit championed by both clients and employees.
By aligning its social responsibility programs with its mission to promote inclusive financial empowerment, CL Bank has gone beyond offering services. It has started a movement that makes saving personal, practical and achievable for every Filipino.