Banking & Finance

Security Bank Corp. is keeping an upbeat outlook for growth, with President and CEO Victor Lee pointing to stronger bank balance sheets and continued demand for financing despite global economic uncertainties. “We are not pessimistic. I think banks continue to stay very positive and optimistic,” Lee said during a briefing in Makati City last week. He said most banks remain …

The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of Philippine banks rose slightly in July, although the banking system remained stable and well-capitalized, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The NPL ratio increased to 3.35% in July from 3.29% in June, with gross bad loans reaching ₱585.08 billion. Despite the monthly increase, the July NPL ratio was still below the 3.40% …

Social Security System (SSS) members can now apply for the agency’s digital microloan facility through UnionDigital Bank (UD), giving qualified private-sector employees faster access to short-term financial assistance. SSS said last week that applications for SSS LoanLite are now being accepted through the UD mobile application. The digital facility allows eligible employed members to apply for a loan without securing …

More than 66,000 students, faculty members and other campus stakeholders in 23 schools nationwide are now using digital financial services under the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Cash-Lite Campus Initiative. Launched in April 2025, the program is designed to bring digital banking closer to students while helping them develop practical skills in budgeting, saving and managing everyday transactions. The …

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is marking its 64th anniversary this September with a stronger balance sheet and continued focus on supporting Filipino consumers and businesses amid changing economic conditions. Since opening its first branch in Binondo in 1962, Metrobank has expanded its services as the financial needs of Filipinos and businesses have evolved. “Over the past 64 years, …

Bank deposits in the Philippines surged 9.8 percent year-on-year to ₱22.04 trillion as of end-March 2026, nearly doubling the previous year’s growth rate and signaling sustained confidence in the banking system. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) said total deposits increased by ₱1.97 trillion from ₱20.1 trillion a year earlier. The growth was almost twice the 5.3 percent, or ₱1 …

September brings a fresh set of deals for Metrobank customers as the bank celebrates its 64th anniversary with special offers covering shopping, dining, travel and major financial purchases. The anniversary promotions give Metrobank credit cardholders opportunities to earn cashback on weekend and weekday spending. Cardholders can get up to ₱1,500 cashback on accumulated local straight purchases from Friday to Sunday, …

Security Bank Corporation is pursuing a focused three-year growth strategy centered on wealth management, entrepreneur banking, and corporate and institutional banking as it seeks to capture emerging opportunities in the Philippine banking market. The strategy, presented during Investor Day 2026, comes as the bank marks its 75th anniversary and reports strong first-half results, including net income of ₱6.1 billion, revenues …

Chinabank’s net income rose 11 percent to ₱14.5 billion in the first half of 2026, fueled by strong lending growth, an expanding balance sheet and improved risk management. The bank reported a 15.1-percent return on equity and a 1.6-percent return on assets for the period. Net interest income increased 14 percent to ₱39.7 billion as net interest margin widened to …

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) posted net income of ₱1.3 billion in the first half of 2026 as core revenues remained resilient despite challenging market conditions. Net interest income rose 2 percent year-on-year to ₱6.7 billion, while total assets expanded 5 percent to ₱234 billion as of June 30, 2026. Total gross loans edged higher to ₱153 billion, supported by continued …