Banking & Finance

Inflation steady at 2.9% in Jan.

Headline inflation in January 2025 remained unchanged at 2.9 percent year-on-year, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This figure aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast and stays within the government’s target range of 2-4 percent for the year. On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, inflation showed a slight decline of 0.1 percent in January, compared …

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Low inflation allows BSP to trim interest rates further

The steady inflation rate will allow the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to further reduce interest rates to boost consumer spending and economic growth, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported last week that the country’s headline inflation remained at 2.9 percent. Core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy items, also eased to 2.6 percent …

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LandBank unveils first ‘phygital’ branch in MM

Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has launched its first “phygital” branch in Metro Manila, combining physical and digital banking services to enhance customer experience. In a statement on Friday, LandBank announced that the Makati Business Center – Ayala Avenue Phygital Branch opened on January 30 at Robinsons Summit Center in Makati City. This modernized branch integrates digital innovations with …

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Banks keep credit standards steady in Q4 2024

Most banks upheld their existing credit standards in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Findings from the Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey (SLOS), released on Friday, revealed that the majority of surveyed banks kept their lending policies unchanged for both business and consumer loans, based on the modal approach. However, using the diffusion …

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ADB okays $500-M loan for Phl labor reforms

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts in expanding labor market programs and boosting workforce skills. According to the ADB, the Business and Employment Recovery Program-Subprogram 2 aims to equip Filipino workers with industry-relevant skills, enhance women’s participation in the labor force through technical and vocational education and training …

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Phl back to global debt market

The Philippines has re-entered the international bond market for the first time this year with a dual-tranche offering of US dollar-denominated bonds, featuring both 10-year and 25-year maturities. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza confirmed that the government aims to raise at least USD500 million through these US dollar bonds.  The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has provided initial pricing guidance for …

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Over $3-B raised from sale of dual-currency bonds

The Philippines successfully raised a total of USD3.29 billion from the sale of US dollar and euro-denominated bonds, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) announced on Friday. The bond issuance included USD2.25 billion in 10-year and 25-year US dollar bonds and €1 billion (USD1.04 billion) in a 7-year euro bond. Both the 25-year dollar bond and the 7-year euro bond …

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DBP nets P11-B under local bond issuance

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has successfully raised P11 billion under its latest local bond issuance as part of efforts to diversify its funding sources in anticipation of increased lending activities this year, a top official said. DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said that the Bank’s Fixed Rate Series 6A Bonds and Fixed Rate Series …

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Security Bank leads push to become Phl’s most customer-centric bank

Security Bank has established itself as a key player in the Philippine banking sector, standing out for its strong financial services and customer-centered approach.  The bank differentiates itself by prioritizing the needs of its customers, using their feedback to drive investments in technology and service improvements. In 2024, it launched several initiatives to enhance the overall customer experience. In mid-2024, …

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P107-B remittance to NG has zero impact on PDIC reserve funds

The Department of Finance (DOF) clarified that the P107-billion remittance from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) to the national government consists of unrestricted funds, meaning they can be allocated for other purposes without affecting the PDIC’s reserve funds. These funds, which include cash and investment balances, are net of restricted amounts, according to the DOF statement.  The PDIC’s Deposit …

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