Banking & Finance

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for the Philippines, signaling continued confidence in the country’s resilience and reform-driven momentum. In its latest World Economic Outlook report, the IMF now expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.9 percent in 2026, slightly higher than its previous forecast of 5.8 percent.  For 2025, the country’s gross …

Filipinos can now invest in government securities using their GCash mobile wallets, thanks to a new platform launched by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) in partnership with GCash, PDAX, and Bonds.ph. The platform, called GBonds, allows users to purchase Treasury bills (T-bills) for as low as P500, with no fees for top-ups and withdrawals and standard rates for buying …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) have joined forces to reinforce the safety and resilience of the country’s key financial market systems. Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at the BSP office, the two institutions committed to safeguarding interconnected platforms such as the BSP’s Peso real-time gross settlement system (PhilPaSSplus) and the …

BDO Unibank Inc. reaffirmed its support for foreign investors by welcoming members of the Kyoto Employers Association (KEA) during their first official business mission to the Philippines. Held at BDO’s Makati headquarters, the visit was organized in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka. The Japanese delegation, composed of KEA’s next-generation leaders aged 50 and below, represented …

Philippine National Bank (PNB) has once again earned international recognition after being named Best Bank for Investment Research in the Philippines at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025. This marks the bank’s fifth consecutive win in the category since 2021. “This award further underscores our dedication to provide dependable insights to our stakeholders,” said Executive Vice President Francis Albalate, PNB’s …

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 …