Banking & Finance

More than 1,000 Metrobank employees were recognized for their years of service as the bank marked its 64th anniversary, highlighting the people behind its six decades of growth and transformation. Among the awardees were 171 Metrobankers who have spent 30 years with the bank, witnessing major changes in the financial industry and helping the institution navigate different economic cycles. Metrobank …

Security Bank and MUFG Bank are strengthening their decade-long strategic partnership as MUFG Manila marks a new milestone with its upgrade to a universal banking license in the Philippines. The two banks have established businesses in the local market and will continue to operate independently. Their partnership combines Security Bank’s local franchise, nationwide network of 400 branches and established client …

Total assets of the Philippine banking system rose by more than 10 percent year-on-year in July, reaching ₱30.71 trillion, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). BSP data showed that the July figure was up from ₱27.74 trillion recorded in the same month last year. On a month-on-month basis, however, total bank assets declined from ₱31.12 trillion in June. …

State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines has received an international award for its financing support for renewable energy and power infrastructure projects that contribute to the country’s energy security and clean energy transition. LandBank said last week that it received the Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award for Outstanding Sustainable Project Financing for its sustainable power and energy infrastructure financing portfolio. Senior …

EastWest is expanding digital banking access through EasyWay, its mobile banking app that now allows customers to open savings accounts and apply for credit cards directly from their smartphones. The bank said 47 percent of new accounts opened since the launch of its digital account-opening service were processed through EasyWay, reflecting growing customer preference for digital onboarding. The shift comes …

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has become the first universal bank in the Philippines to secure both international certifications for information security and privacy management. BPI said it obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification for its Privacy Information Management System. The certifications were awarded by The British Standards Institution (BSI) …

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 …