Atty. Gino Jacinto leads digital transformation in Philippine law, advocating for electronic signatures and AML screening to boost efficiency and compliance.
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.
