13 August 2018
Manulife Singapore launches digital payments via PayNow
Manulife is the first life insurer in Singapore partnering DBS to bring digital payment solutions to customers.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2018 – Manulife Singapore today announced that is the first life insurer in Singapore working with DBS to offer Manulife policyholders the option of paying for premium renewals using their mobile phones simply by scanning a QR (Quick Response) code at our servicing counters, in addition to other existing payment options.
Going forward, policyholders will also be able to opt for payments from Manulife via their PayNow proxy, starting with Maturities and Claims, and progressively expanding to other payment types.
As a registered PayNow Corporate entity, Manulife hopes to bring greater convenience to customers while also aligning with Singapore’s Smart Nation objectives.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Khoo Kah Siang, President & CEO, Manulife Singapore said: “Digital payment solutions are fast becoming part and parcel of our daily lives. We are committed to adding additional servicing options and leveraging on technology to make life easier for our customers, enhancing their overall experience with Manulife.”
Benjamin Yeo, Managing Director and Head of Insurance Coverage at DBS Bank said that the collaboration with Manulife Singapore is in line with the bank’s promise to bring new digital experiences to its partners and customers. “We are continuously rethinking the customer journey for our clients and their businesses. By leveraging on our digital expertise and Singapore’s PayNow initiative, we are pleased to work with our partner Manulife Singapore in offering digital payment solutions to provide Manulife customers a truly seamless experience,” he said.
DBS Bank Ltd and Manulife Financial Asia Limited entered into a 15-year regional distribution agreement in 2015 covering four mutually significant markets, namely Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia.
What is PayNow
PayNow is a Singapore banking industry initiative to drive digital payments by allowing individuals and corporates to instantly pay using a proxy such as mobile number, IC Number or UEN though internet and mobile banking.
PayNow launched in July 2017 enabled retail customers of nine participating banks in Singapore ( Bank of China, Citibank Singapore Limited, DBS Bank/POSB, HSBC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Maybank, OCBC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and United Overseas Bank )to send and receive Singapore Dollar funds from one bank to another in Singapore through FAST by using just their mobile number or Singapore NRIC/FIN. The sender no longer needs to know the recipient’s bank and account number when transferring money via PayNow.
PayNow Corporate
With effect from 13 August 2018, PayNow will be extended beyond retail customers to corporates, businesses and Singapore Government agencies with PayNow Corporate, which enables these corporates to pay and receive Singapore Dollar funds instantaneously by linking their Unique Entity Number (UEN) to their Singapore bank account. Corporates no longer need to disclose own account numbers to receive payments or know the bank account number of beneficiaries when transferring funds.
PayNow QR will also launched with PayNow Corporate; PayNow QR will be part of SGQR and will further enable consumers, businesses and corporates to make instant PayNow transfers by scanning the merchant’s or individual’s QR via their bank’s mobile banking app.
Media Contacts
Rachel Lok / Chan Jia En
AKA Asia
T: +65 6222 6136
