Banking & Finance

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

The share of non-performing loans (NPLs) in total loans of Philippine banks fell to a two-month low in November 2024, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released last week. The NPL ratio in November stood at 3.54 percent, a slight decline from 3.60 percent in October 2024. This marked the lowest ratio since September 2024, when …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) surpassed its 2024 collection target, reaching a total of P2.84 trillion, marking the first time in 20 years that it has exceeded its goal. “The BIR has collected at least P2.848 trillion for 2024. All credit belongs to the men and women of the BIR. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. …

Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos grew by 3.5 percent in November 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The BSP’s latest data revealed that personal remittances totaled USD3.12 billion in November, up from USD3.02 billion in the same month last year, driven by higher contributions from both land- and sea-based workers. Personal remittances include cash sent via banks …

Bank lending saw its most significant growth in nearly two years, and domestic liquidity also accelerated in November, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Preliminary data released by the BSP on Friday revealed that lending by universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) increased by 11.1 percent in November, marking the highest growth since the 13.7 percent rise recorded in …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to continue its easing cycle this year, though fewer rate cuts are anticipated following signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve about slowing its own rate cuts, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. “The BSP is still on track to deliver another 25-basis-point cut at its next meeting. However, the overall …