AXA Philippines opens new branch

LIFE insurer AXA Philippines opened its new branch in Tacloban City with the hope of reaching out to as many Filipinos possible.

AXA Philippines Chief Agency Officer Rahul Hora said the company sees Tacloban as a big market for life insurance products.

"We are now ready to offer Taclobanons and the people of Eastern Visayas region a wide range of products and services that would provide them financial protection and meet their savings, retirement and financial planning needs throughout their lives," Hora said during the opening of their branch located at Dynasty Mall in the city's commercial district.

In the Visayas, the insurer also has branches in the cities of Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu.

Hora said Taclobanons would experience a different service from AXA Philippines since they "listen to customers better as a basis for providing real needs-based financial advice."

"At AXA, we make it easier for customers and partners to do business with us," Hora said.

This year, the life insurer expanded market access by creating products to suit different customer risk profiles and addressed a broader range of financial needs.

"We have strengthened our multi-distribution capability to make AXA products available to clients in ways they are most comfortable with," Hora said.

AXA Philippines was the fourth largest industry player in terms of premium income in 2009, following Philam Life and Gen. Insurance Co., Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc., and Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd., according to the Insurance Commission.

AXA Philippines is a joint venture between the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the country's second largest bank, and Global AXA Group, one of Europe's largest insurers. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)