Banking & Finance

In a firm move to prevent the misuse of digital financial platforms, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to implement tighter regulations on payment services related to online gambling. The move comes amid growing public concern over the social and financial consequences of widespread access to gambling platforms. The BSP recently posted a draft circular outlining proposed guidelines …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to issue enhanced guidelines on digitalization for banks before the end of the year, aiming to create a more level playing field across the financial sector. Speaking at the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) convention in Makati City last week, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier emphasized the increasing adoption of digital platforms …

Ensuring reliable access to clean water remains a pressing priority in many parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, where climate change, rapid urbanization, and ecological disruption continue to strain natural water sources. As local governments and communities seek sustainable water management systems, BDO Unibank Inc. is stepping up to support these efforts through long-term financing. One of its key partners …

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has raised P8.25 billion from its latest dual-tranche bond issuance, surpassing its minimum target of P5 billion as investors showed strong confidence in the state-run bank’s role in advancing the country’s development agenda. The fresh capital, raised under DBP’s expanded P150-billion bond program, was 1.65 times oversubscribed, according to DBP President and CEO …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognized 18 outstanding institutional partners of its Head Office during the 2025 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC) held on 18 July 2025. BSP Monetary Board Member Romeo L. Bernardo, who led the ceremony, said: “We may come from different spaces and bring different approaches, but when we work together, meaningful results follow.” The …

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its financing arm Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), has disbursed a total of P4.22 million in loans to 24 women entrepreneurs under the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), aimed at empowering women-owned small businesses across the country. The initial batch of recipients will use the loans to start or expand their ventures, including variety …

The share of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Philippine banking system slightly declined in May 2025, signaling early signs of improving credit conditions, according to data released Friday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The NPL ratio eased to 3.38% in May, down from 3.39% in April and notably lower than the 3.57% recorded in the same month last …

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the Philippines rose by 7.1% year-on-year in April 2025, reaching USD610 million from USD570 million a year earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Thursday. The increase was driven primarily by higher investments in debt instruments by non-resident investors, which surged by 24.3% to USD522 million from USD420 million in April 2024. …

The FinTech Alliance Philippines has thrown its full support behind the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) enhanced regulatory framework aimed at promoting the responsible use of digital financial services in licensed online gaming platforms. In a statement, FinTech Alliance founding chair Lito Villanueva acknowledged the growing concerns from the public and various sectors about the potential social risks of online …

Eight rural banks will soon pioneer SynerFi, an open payments platform operated by tech firm higala.ph, with 12 more expected to join later this year—advancing the government’s goal of expanding digital financial services to underserved communities. The early adopters of SynerFi include Rural Bank of San Antonio, Inc. (Southern Luzon); Rural Bank of Lipa City (Batangas), Inc.; Progressive Rural Bank, …