Banking & Finance

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into a Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) with the Philippines’ Security Bank Corporation to expand access to supply chain financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The agreement marks the first RPA between ADB and a Philippine bank and is expected to strengthen liquidity support for local suppliers through the bank’s …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said last week it will release this year a National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) aimed at strengthening the financial literacy and resilience of Filipinos. In a statement, the central bank said the strategy is currently being refined through nationwide consultations with stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, and development institutions. The …

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has expressed support for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ issuance of the ₱10 ASEAN commemorative coin, which began circulating nationwide in January 2026 to mark the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The initiative, issued under Memorandum Circular Letter No. CL-2025-049 from the BSP Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector, calls on banks …

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has relocated its branch-lite unit (BLU) in Naga City, Cebu to a more strategic site to improve access and convenience for its clients. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the transfer of the DBP Naga branch-lite unit to the Naga City Hall Building in Purok Diamond, Barangay East …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has pledged to take necessary policy actions to bring inflation back to target levels, as price pressures continue to accelerate due to higher global fuel and food costs. In a statement Tuesday, the central bank said it remains committed to its mandate of maintaining price stability and ensuring inflation returns to its 3-percent target within …

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of ₱12.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, supported by steady asset growth, improved margins, and stronger fee-based revenues. In a recent statement, the bank said net interest income rose by 13 percent to ₱33.4 billion, reflecting sustained lending activity and better yields. Gross loans expanded by 9.2 percent, …

The Asian Development Bank recently launched a new financing facility designed to help countries in Asia and the Pacific develop critical minerals supply chains that support clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, batteries, and digital industries. The Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility includes two main components: a grant window and a catalytic finance window. The initiative aims to support the full …

The Land Bank of the Philippines has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology to expand financing and technical support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups across the country, reinforcing efforts to promote innovation-driven growth. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 4, 2026, led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. …

The Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) reported a net income of ₱6.37 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5 percent year-on-year increase, supported by sustained growth in core banking operations, higher lending activity, and disciplined cost management. The bank said growth was driven by improved loan volumes and steady expansion in its revenue streams despite a volatile …

Malacañang has underscored that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) remains the key institution responsible for managing peso stability, as the local currency continues to weaken against the US dollar and hit record-low levels. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government views the peso’s depreciation as largely driven by external pressures rather than domestic economic weaknesses. She pointed to …