EastWest eyes ₱9-B capital boost

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is seeking to raise about ₱9 billion through a proposed stock rights offering, giving existing shareholders an opportunity to participate in the bank’s next phase of expansion while providing fresh capital for growth.

The bank’s Board of Directors approved the proposed offering on Aug. 27, 2026, subject to the filing of required applications and regulatory approvals. Major shareholders Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) and FDC Ventures, Inc. will back the transaction.

EastWest, the banking arm of the Filinvest Group, is among the country’s leading consumer-focused banks. As of June 2026, the bank had total assets of ₱623.9 billion and a consumer loan portfolio of ₱337.6 billion, one of the largest among Philippine banks.

The proposed rights offering still requires approvals from regulators, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The final offer size, entitlement ratio, offer price, record date and transaction timetable will be announced after the necessary approvals are secured.

EastWest Chief Executive Officer Jerry G. Ngo said the additional capital would position the bank to pursue new growth opportunities while strengthening its financial base.

“This proposed rights offering positions EastWest for its next phase of growth while giving our existing shareholders the opportunity to participate in the Bank’s long-term value creation. The additional capital will support continued expansion across our core businesses and enhance our ability to pursue strategic opportunities in a fast-evolving financial landscape, while strengthening our balance sheet,” Ngo said.

The proceeds will be used to support the bank’s strategic expansion, including the scaling up of its wealth and priority banking businesses, investments in digital technologies and additional lending capacity for key retail and business segments.

The planned capital raising underscores EastWest’s strategy of combining balance-sheet strength with investments in technology and customer-focused businesses as competition in the Philippine financial sector intensifies.

AB Capital & Investment Corporation has been appointed Issue Manager and Sole Underwriter for the offering.

The proposed SRO, however, remains subject to regulatory clearance, meaning the final terms and timing of the transaction have yet to be determined.