The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Philippine National Bank (PNB) earned two major honors at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2026, recognizing the bank’s efforts to strengthen its retail banking business and expand financial inclusion through digital innovation.
The Lucio Tan-led bank was named Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines under the Retail Banking Awards and Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year – Philippines under the Wholesale Banking Awards during ceremonies held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
PNB President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin R. Bautista said the twin recognitions reflect the bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and accessible financial services.
“These awards reflect PNB’s commitment to serving the evolving needs of our customers through innovation, accessibility, and meaningful financial solutions,” Bautista said.
He added that the bank remains focused on expanding opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities through stronger retail banking and digital financial services.
PNB received the Domestic Retail Bank of the Year award after surpassing the ₱1-trillion deposit milestone in 2025 while accelerating its transformation into a more digitally enabled and customer-focused institution.
The bank attributed its growth to continued investments in branch modernization, digital banking platforms, customer acquisition, and cross-selling initiatives. It also expanded its branch network through new locations and renovations.
Among its key digital initiatives was the Mobile Account Application, which allows customers to open bank accounts entirely through their mobile devices. Within its first year, the platform generated more than 100,000 new accounts, with over 80 percent coming from first-time PNB clients.
“This recognition affirms the progress we have made in strengthening PNB’s retail banking franchise through a balanced strategy of branch modernization, digital innovation, and customer engagement,” said Carlo S. Dimaala, PNB executive vice president and head of the Retail Banking Sector.
Meanwhile, PNB’s Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year award recognized the bank’s efforts to make digital financial services more accessible to businesses through cash management and payment solutions.
The bank expanded the use of QRPh collections, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, Corporate Cash Accept Machines, and integrated cash management services to help businesses transition from cash-based to digital transactions.
“Financial inclusion is most meaningful when businesses of all sizes have access to solutions that help them grow and participate more fully in the economy,” said Katherine H. Cabrera, PNB senior vice president and head of the Cash Management Division.
By the end of 2025, PNB had onboarded more than 16,000 merchants to its POS and QRPh platforms, with over 11,000 active users processing more than ₱20 billion in collections. The bank also deployed QRPh-enabled payment solutions to more than 1,200 sales personnel nationwide, further supporting the country’s digital payments ecosystem.
PNB said the awards reinforce its strategy of driving sustainable growth through customer-focused innovation while expanding access to secure and convenient financial services for more Filipinos and businesses.