Atty. Gino Jacinto: Leading Digital Transformation in Philippine Law and Finance

In the Philippine legal and financial sectors, Atty. Gino Carmine S. Jacinto stands out as a leading figure driving digital transformation. As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of UNAWA, a pioneering legal tech company, he has been instrumental in integrating electronic signatures and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening into business operations, enhancing efficiency and compliance.

Early Career and Legal Expertise

Atty. Jacinto's legal career spans over 15 years, during which he has amassed extensive experience in corporate law, compliance, and digital transformation. His tenure gave him a deep understanding of businesses' complexities in regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. This background has been pivotal in shaping his approach to developing digital solutions that address these challenges.

Founding UNAWA: Bridging Law and Technology

UNAWA aims to empower Filipino businesses by providing user-friendly legal tech tools that streamline operations and ensure compliance. Under Atty. Jacinto's leadership as COO, and with the recent recognition as co-founder, UNAWA has developed innovative solutions such as SignSecure and UCheck, which have become integral in promoting the adoption of electronic signatures and AML screening in the Philippines.

Advocacy for Electronic Signatures in the Philippines

Atty. Jacinto has been a vocal advocate for adopting electronic signatures in the Philippines. He emphasizes that electronic signatures are not only legally binding under the E-Commerce Act (Republic Act No. 8792) but also offer numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlining document signing processes, reducing turnaround times.

Cost Reduction: Minimizing expenses related to paper, printing, and logistics.

Improved Security: Utilizing advanced authentication methods to ensure the integrity of signed documents.

Through platforms like SignSecure, which incorporates facial recognition technology, Atty. Jacinto has demonstrated how electronic signatures can be both secure and user-friendly. This innovation has benefited small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to digitize their operations.

Championing AML Screening for Financial Integrity

In addition to electronic signatures, Atty. Jacinto has been instrumental in promoting robust AML screening processes. Understanding the critical importance of preventing financial crimes, he led the development of UCheck, a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to:

Conduct Thorough Background Checks: Access global sanctions lists and Politically Exposed Person (PEP) databases.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated with evolving AML regulations.

Mitigate Financial Risks: Identify and prevent potential financial crimes before they occur.

By integrating AML screening into daily operations, businesses can protect themselves from legal repercussions and contribute to the overall integrity of the financial system.

Recent Engagements and Contributions

Atty. Jacinto's commitment to digital transformation is evident through his participation in various industry events. Notably, on November 11, 2024, he spoke at "ELEVATE: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Tech-Driven Solutions," a key session during Philippine Startup Week 2024. Held at the Rotary Club in Makati City, this event gave young entrepreneurs actionable insights into leveraging technology for business success.

Following this, on November 12-13, 2024, Atty. Jacinto represented UNAWA at the 71st Annual National Convention and General Membership Assembly of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) at The Manila Hotel. During this convention, UNAWA announced a strategic partnership with EcoGlobal to integrate digital solutions into rural banking operations, including electronic signatures and AML screening. This collaboration aims to:

Enhance Financial Inclusion: Providing rural banks with better tools to serve their communities.

Streamline Compliance: Simplifying regulatory processes through digital means.

Promote Operational Efficiency: Reducing manual errors and improving transaction experiences.

These engagements underscore Atty. Jacinto's dedication to fostering a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem in the Philippines.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Atty. Jacinto envisions a Philippine business environment where digital solutions are seamlessly integrated into legal and financial operations. He believes that widespread adoption of electronic signatures and AML screening will:

Empower Businesses: Enabling them to operate more efficiently and competitively.

Enhance Compliance: Ensuring adherence to local and international regulations.

Foster Innovation: Encouraging the development of new technologies and solutions.

Through his leadership at UNAWA, Atty. Jacinto continues to drive initiatives that align with this vision, aiming to build a thriving digital Philippines.

Conclusion

Atty. Gino Jacinto's unwavering commitment to digital transformation marks his contributions to the Philippine legal and financial sectors. By championing the adoption of electronic signatures and AML screening, he has paved the way for businesses to operate more efficiently and securely. His efforts enhance compliance and promote a culture of innovation and inclusivity, positioning the Philippines as a leader in digital integration within the region.