Best bank 2025: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been recognised as the country’s best bank, thanks to its phenomenal client growth, record-breaking financial performance, and several pioneering initiatives spanning sustainability and digital innovation.
Over the past year, the bank has acquired 5 million new clients, 52% of whom were onboarded through digital channels – highlighting BPI’s excellence in digital banking. This achievement was made possible through online account opening and third-party or partner store portals, which enabled Filipinos without formal identification cards to open wallet accounts, thereby reducing barriers to financial inclusion.
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, BPI launched seven new digital platforms in 2024 to enhance its offerings and improve user experience.
In line with its pioneering initiatives, BPI became the first IFC Edge-certified green bank branch operator in the Philippines, with a total of 22 certified branches as of December 2024. Additionally, the bank transitioned all its bank-owned high-rise buildings to 100% renewable energy, underscoring its dedication to environmental sustainability.
BPI’s record financial performance is a testament to its effective strategy execution. In the past year, the bank reported a record full-year net income of P62 billion ($1.1 billion), a 20% increase from the previous year. This was driven by revenues of P170 billion, up 23% year-on-year, supported by strong growth in net interest income, foreign exchange income, fee income and trading income.
Best investment bank 2025: UBS
UBS continues its reign in the Philippines, once again being recognised as the country’s best investment bank. The bank’s longstanding dominance in the market – under the enduring leadership of Lauro Baja, head of global capital markets for Asia Pacific and head of global banking – enabled it to participate in 23 transactions in 2024, securing UBS’s leading positions across the league tables.
In the M&A space, the bank participated in 10 announced transactions totalling $4.4 billion and securing a 42.7% market share, as well as leading position in the league table based on deal value. Among landmark transactions is the $3.3 billion acquisition by MGen and Aboitiz Power of an integrated LNG facility from San Miguel Global Power – the largest M&A transaction in the Philippines and the largest in southeast Asia’s power sector since 2018.
On the equity side, UBS completed six transactions raising around $200 million in value and maintaining its market share of 31.5%. UBS acted as sole global coordinator on the P5.3 billion ($92 million) IPO of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp, which was oversubscribed and priced at a premium valuation.
In debt capital markets, UBS participated in seven landmark offerings, securing a 13% market share. Notably, UBS was involved in two tranches issued by the Republic of the Philippines: a $2.5 billion triple-tranche and a $2 billion dual-tranche sustainability bond, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted government partner.
Best investment bank for DCM 2025: Land Bank of the Philippines
The Land Bank of the Philippines has consistently demonstrated its prowess in Debt capital markets. In the past year, Land Bank has been instrumental in introducing a wide range of innovative bond structures.
Land Bank played a pivotal role in several landmark debt and bond transactions in 2024. It acted as joint lead issue manager for the Republic’s P584.86 billion ($10.2 billion) retail treasury bonds tranche 30, and as joint issue manager, underwriter and bookrunner for SMC Tollways Corporation’s P35 billion fixed-rate bond.
The bank also supported Ayala Land Inc’s sustainability-linked bonds totalling P14 billion. In structured finance, it arranged and underwrote the P533 million NHMFC Bonds 2023 and led syndicated term loans for SMC SLEX Holdings and SLEX Inc worth P22.5 billion.
Additional mandates included a P10 billion bond for DoubleDragon Corporation, a P7 billion issuance for Filinvest Development Corporation and a P57.1 billion syndicated facility for Pasay Harbor City Corporation. Land Bank also financed P60 billion of a P110 billion syndicated loan for PSALM, reinforcing its longstanding support for the energy sector
Through a combination of strategic foresight, dedication to sustainability and a robust approach to market challenges, Land Bank of the Philippines continues to set benchmarks in the region’s investment banking sector.
Best investment bank for M&A 2025: UBS
UBS has distinguished itself as the Philippines’ best investment bank for M&A, showing exceptional market leadership and strategic prowess through multiple landmark transactions in 2024. UBS ranked number one in the Philippines for M&A advisory, both in terms of deal value, which reached $5.56 billion, and number of transactions, with 13 deals, according to Dealogic data.
Highlights included acting as the sole financial adviser on the Philippines’ largest M&A transaction of 2024 – the $3.3 billion acquisition of the country’s first integrated liquefied natural gas facility by Meralco and Aboitiz Power. This deal was also the largest in southeast Asia’s power sector since 2018.
UBS further advised on the $600 million sale of a 40% stake in Terra Solar to SPNEC-Actis, marking the largest foreign direct investment in the Philippines for a greenfield infrastructure project and the largest renewable energy M&A transaction since 2017. Additionally, UBS was the joint financial adviser in the $800 million divestment of Cemex’s operations in the Philippines to DMCI, and the exclusive financial adviser for the strategic sale of the TIM Data Center to Equinix.
UBS’s cross-border and structuring expertise were evident in advising Mitsui & Co on an investment in MPTC through a long-dated exchangeable bond, and in facilitating an investment by GIC and MPTC in Indonesia’s toll road platform.
The bank’s demonstrated capability across diverse sectors such as energy, infrastructure, real estate, industrials and technology, along with its robust relationships with major conglomerates, underscores its unparalleled role as a trusted adviser in strategic and financial investments.
Best investment bank for financing 2025: Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation
Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation stands out as Philippines’ best investment bank for financing due to its pioneering achievements across bonds, structured finance and project finance.
The bank was instrumental in arranging the first-ever sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) in the Philippines for Ayala Land Inc, raising P14 billion ($244 million), subdivided into two tranches. These bonds were innovatively designed with a step-up mechanism based on the achievement of sustainability performance targets, effectively combining financial advantages with environmental sustainability goals.
In addition, Security Bank Capital successfully led the issuance of P10 billion Asean green bonds for Energy Development Corporation. This issue, supporting renewable energy initiatives, was met with strong market approval, evidenced by a seven times oversubscription rate.
The bank further demonstrated its prowess in structured finance by arranging a P52 billion senior project finance term loan facility for New NAIA Infra Corp. This project included a novel floating-to-fixed rate conversion feature, catering to the necessities of volatile interest rates and setting a new benchmark for public-private partnership airport projects in the Philippines.
Also noteworthy was its participation in eight significant project finance deals amounting to P91.79 billion, notably including the P8.2 billion financing for the 450-megawatt 3 Barracuda Solar Project – the largest of its kind in the Philippines. This supported the country’s renewable portfolio standards, propelling the national agenda for a clean energy transition.
Additionally, engagement in the debt capital markets was robust with nine bond issuances totalling P139 billion. Equity capital markets activity included four significant equity deals totalling P40.1 billion, highlighting the bank’s diverse capabilities.
Through these achievements, Security Bank Capital has cemented its position as a cornerstone of investment banking in the Philippines.
Best investment bank for ECM 2025: BPI Capital Corporation
BPI Capital Corporation has solidified its position as the Philippines’ preeminent investment bank for equity capital markets with exceptional growth, market-leading transactions and innovative financial structures in 2024.
The bank conducted nine significant ECM transactions, a considerable uptick from the five deals in 2023, propelling it to number one in the Bloomberg Philippine ECM league table with a deal value totalling $355 million. Remarkably, BPI Capital’s ECM team grew its revenue contribution by an impressive 153.5%, surpassing its 2024 goal by 66.4%.
A landmark achievement was the execution of the largest-ever overnight private placement for a real estate investment trust (Reit) in the Philippines, raising P8.5 billion ($148 million) for RL Commercial Reit. Initially aimed at P6 billion, the issue was upsized due to strong demand and was priced at a close 5% discount to the 30-day volume weighted average price.
The bank showcased its capabilities by advising Filinvest Land Inc on a P1.9 billion tender offer that allowed shareholders to exchange shares for Filinvest Reit (FILRT) shares, a first in the country, enhancing FILRT’s public float. Additionally, BPI Capital completed several preferred share issuances including a P4.3 billion issue for Cebu Landmasters, fully subscribed and priced at the tight end of the range, and a P15 billion issuance for Ayala Corporation, which was three times oversubscribed.
All ECM transactions in 2024 were with repeat clients, pointing to strong client satisfaction and retention.
Best digital bank 2025: RCBC
RCBC has distinguished itself as a trailblazer in digital banking in the Philippines, thanks to a popular app, an innovative digital portfolio of products and digital literacy initiatives.
In a significant leap forward, its app RCBC Pulz soared in popularity, becoming the most downloaded Philippine bank app on the Apple App Store, supported by a 48% surge in transaction volume and a 46% increase in transaction value. There was also a 33% rise in primary enrolment and a 31% boost in new-to-bank retail customers.
Further enhancing its digital portfolio, RCBC launched Pasado Loans, a collateral-free digital lending service that achieved more than P12.7 billion in digital loans and over 550,000 transactions, constituting approximately 50% of the bank’s total loan portfolio.
RCBC’s ATM Go network expanded to achieve full coverage across Philippine provinces and cities, with a notable 145% growth in merchant partners and a 46% increase in terminal count, significantly fostering rural entrepreneurship and inclusion, and particularly benefiting a female user demographic.
In undertaking initiatives for financial inclusion, RCBC partnered with governmental and private entities to spearhead digital literacy and banking services to over 12 million overseas Filipino workers. Its commitment to cybersecurity was fortified through targeted educational campaigns across multiple social platforms including Facebook, Viber and Instagram.
In open banking, RCBC’s collaboration for the SynerFi open payments platform and its engagement in co-developing the PHPX stablecoin with JUST Finance marked substantial strides in fostering a robust digital financial ecosystem. This was complemented by pioneering green initiatives including offering loans for environmentally friendly vehicles and adopting recycled PVC for credit cards.
Best digital bank for consumers 2025: UNO Digital Bank
UNO Digital Bank has demonstrated a profound impact on the retail financial services landscape in the Philippines, meriting recognition as the country’s best digital bank for consumers.
The bank has seen a remarkable 2.5 times year-on-year growth in its customer base, successfully onboarded over 2.2 million customers, and achieved complete geographic coverage within the country. Significantly, 30% of these customers were first-time bank users, indicating the bank’s critical role in promoting financial inclusion.
UNO Digital Bank has employed innovative strategies to enhance customer experience and accessibility. It reduced account approval times drastically from seven days to two to three days using artificial intelligence-powered instant onboarding processes. Furthermore, integration with the country’s largest e-wallet through a mini-app enhanced this efficiency, easing the customer onboarding process.
The bank has also been active in expanding access to credit, disbursing over P3.4 billion across 447,000 loans. Notably, nearly 10% of these borrowers were accessing formal credit for the first time. The introduction of consumer durable loans reached an additional 11,000 customers.
A pioneering move was made in embedded financial services; UNO Digital Bank became the first digital bank in the region to directly offer insurance products on its platform, benefiting over 50,000 individuals with free life insurance.
In terms of cybersecurity, the bank has set high standards by implementing biometric authentication and real-time transaction monitoring systems. Its partnerships with leading platforms like Gcash and Singlife have not only broadened its service accessibility but also fortified its ecosystem strategy.
UNO Digital Bank’s commitment to product innovation and financial literacy is evident through its industry-first initiatives such as monthly crediting on time deposits and maintaining a no transfer fee policy, facilitating greater customer engagement and loyalty.
Best bank for ESG 2025: BDO Unibank
BDO Unibank’s integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations throughout its operations has earned it the award for Philippines’ best bank for ESG.
The bank has taken significant steps to quantify and mitigate its environmental impact by engaging S&P Global to analyse Scope 3 financed emissions, aiding the formation of a structured carbon reduction plan. Further enhancement of its policies includes the updated and expanded sustainable finance framework, which now covers all business units and aligns with key international standards such as ICMA and Asean. This revised framework, covering 29 financing categories, received a positive second party opinion from Morningstar Sustainalytics.
The institution has also evolved its social and environmental management system into a board-approved environmental and social risk management system (ESRMS), which includes comprehensive ESG risk assessments across credit, investment and operational processes. The ESRMS employs the internally developed EAST4R tool, assessing risks such as climate change and labour rights.
In capacity building, BDO Unibank conducted 36 ESG training sessions in 2024, benefiting over 2,000 participants with a total of 7,572 training hours, ensuring comprehensive understanding and integration of ESG principles at all levels of the institution.
Financially, BDO’s dedication to sustainable financing is evident from the growth of its sustainable finance portfolio, which reached P1.037 trillion ($18.1 billion) in 2024. Noteworthy were the two Asean sustainability bonds issued that year supporting vital community and environment-focused projects. Both were heavily oversubscribed
With these initiatives, BDO Unibank not only fosters sustainable development but also sets a high benchmark in the Philippines for corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship in the banking sector.
Best bank for sustainable finance 2025: HSBC Philippines
HSBC Philippines has distinguished itself as a leader in the region, shown most clearly by a 270% annual increase in its sustainable finance and investment initiatives in the country.
Regionally, HSBC Asia Pacific’s contributions, including the Philippines, rose to $30.5 billion in 2024, a rise of 6.6% from the previous year.
HSBC Philippines published its first net zero transition plan in January 2024. This strategic document maps out the bank’s priorities, which include transitioning industries, catalysing the new economy and decarbonising trade and supply chains.
This holistic approach is further evident in its financing activities, with the bank playing pivotal roles in several key deals. Notably, HSBC Philippines supported PLDT’s inaugural green and social loans aimed at both infrastructural enhancements and expanding internet access in underserved areas. The bank was also joint lead manager and sustainability structuring bank for the Republic of the Philippines’ $1.9 billion sustainability bond.
The bank has also extended its sustainable financing to sectors such as telecommunications, clean energy and small and medium-sized enterprises across multiple countries, highlighting both regional and global impact.
HSBC Philippines’ robust in-country environmental, social and governance engagement is reinforced by a dedicated sustainable finance expert who works with the wider teams, supplemented by regional specialists and a centre of excellence. Together they actively engage with clients through sustainability-focused dialogues, contribute to pivotal sustainability forums and leverage partnerships with significant entities such as the United Nations Development Programme and Climate Policy Initiative to bolster the sustainable finance framework.
Best international bank 2025: HSBC Philippines
HSBC Philippines has demonstrated a robust financial performance and innovative market leadership, making it the Philippines’ best international bank.
With annual revenue growth above the industry average rate, HSBC Philippines also saw sustained growth in profit before tax, net fee income and digital payment volumes.
In terms of innovation, HSBC Philippines introduced notable financial solutions tailored to enhance consumer experience and operational efficiency. This includes launching Omni Collect, HSBC Trade Solutions, HSBC Live+ Signature Visa card, and a Wealth Builder investment-linked insurance product.
Contributing towards sustainable finance, the bank increased its financing towards green and social-focused projects and introduced a net zero transition plan in 2024.
HSBC’s remarkable influence on the local banking sector through various initiatives and partnerships is evident in its ongoing engagement in promoting the Philippines as a compelling investment destination.
In compliance with digital trends, the bank has improved its digital infrastructure by investing in automation platforms like Transformers and enhancing customer service with tools such as Data Studio for customised real-time reports.
Best bank for large corporates 2025: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company is the Philippines’ best bank for large corporates in recognition of its impressive financial performance and digital banking enhancements.
The bank reported a robust 18% year-on-year growth in its institutional banking segment, with total loans reaching P1.4 trillion ($24.4 billion). Notably, the corporate banking group witnessed a 24% increase in its loan portfolio, supporting large corporates and middle-market clients through capital expansions, restocking and refinancing activities.
Financial performance was strong with a record net income of P48.1 billion, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. The bank’s total loans expanded by 17%, surpassing the industry average of 12.5%. Asset quality saw considerable improvement: the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 1.4% with an NPL coverage of 163.5%, one of the highest in the industry.
In its corporate and commercial segment, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company grew its loan portfolio by 17.7%, actively supporting key sectors such as infrastructure, utilities and urban development. The bank financed significant sustainability-linked projects including P10 billion for Maynilad Water Services and P15 billion for Manila Water Company, enhancing its focus on sustainable finance.
Supplementing its robust financial services, the bank has also invested P1.5 billion in digital banking enhancements, optimising Metrobank Business Online Solutions for corporate and small and medium-sized enterprise clients, underscoring its commitment to digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Best bank for corporate responsibility 2025: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, celebrating 45 years of service through its Metrobank Foundation, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to corporate responsibility in the Philippines. In 2024, under the theme ‘A Heart that Serves’, the bank honoured 32 individuals with the ACES Awards and 30 institutional partners with the PEACE Awards, also recognising internal stakeholders through the STARS programme.
In its healthcare and community support initiatives, the bank launched the Lab for ALL initiative, donating four mobile laboratories equipped with essential medical technologies to underserved communities. The Helping Hands Disaster Response programme extended P20 million ($349,000) in aid to 25,429 families across 14 provinces affected by natural disasters.
The development and livelihood grants saw Metrobank extend P73 million in development assistance, a significant increase from the previous year, benefiting over 255,000 individuals. A further P45 million in grants were allocated to 30 development partners through the George SK Ty Grants Turnover.
In education and the arts, the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence programme marked its 40th anniversary with the Sibol exhibition, which attracted over 3,000 visitors and supported 475 creatives and educators. Additionally, the bank’s YES and ACCESS scholarship programmes supported 16 scholars graduating from six partner universities.
Further contributions include the Bags of Blessing initiative, which distributed food packs worth P10 million to 10,000 vulnerable families. The organisation engaged 1,162 employees in 19 volunteer activities focused on environmental sustainability and community welfare. These initiatives underscore Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company’s integrated approach to corporate responsibility, positively impacting many facets of Filipino society.
Best bank for diversity and inclusion 2025: Land Bank of the Philippines
The Land Bank of the Philippines is the Philippines’ best bank for diversity and inclusion due to its extensive initiatives focused on providing inclusive financial access across the nation.
In a standout initiative, the Bilis Ipon Digital Financial Inclusion Caravans expanded its reach to 17 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Through these caravans, the bank introduced the LANDBANKasama programme and PISO Plus savings accounts, which facilitate account opening with no initial deposit or maintaining balance required, equipped with both digital and physical card options.
These initiatives have been specifically tailored to integrate unbanked and underserved Filipinos, including small farmers, fishers and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Programme.
To further support local agriculture, the bank rolled out the Agrisenso Plus Lending programme in May 2024, offering low-interest loans, capacity-building sessions and market linkages to small farmers, fishers, agrarian reform beneficiaries and, in particular, women, housewives and young agri-preneurs in the farming sector. An added benefit of the programme is free life and credit insurance for borrowers and their family members.
Empowerment also extends through its collaborations with government agencies, including the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration, facilitating integrated support for sustainable farming and business management through financial literacy and incentive-based training.
By February 2025, the bank had accomplished over 4,281 cumulative loan releases and successfully onboarded more than 1,350 individuals in digital financial inclusion caravans, leading to the opening of 459 new savings accounts.
Additionally, the LANDBANK Mobile Banking app promotion during regional roadshows significantly advanced digital banking adoption in rural segments, marking a substantial stride towards comprehensive financial inclusion in the Philippines.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is the Philippines’ best bank for small and medium-sized enterprises in recognition of its impressive achievements and service innovations. In the last year, the bank doubled its SME loan portfolio. Its client base expanded by nearly 20%, with the number of borrowers also increasing by a similar amount.
The institution introduced a range of innovative products tailored for SMEs including the Ka-Negosyo Loan suite. This includes the Ka-Negosyo Credit Line for seamless multi-channel access without collateral, the Ka-Negosyo SME Loan designed for capital expenditures and business expansion, and the Ka-Negosyo Ready Loan for meeting seasonal funding needs.
Digitally, the Ka-Negosyo On The Go platform supports fully online loan applications. In 2024, this platform engaged over 300,000 users, assessed eligibility for 30,000 SMEs and processed over 1,500 applications.
The bank also shortened loan approval times dramatically from a month to under a week through the integration of alternative data and predictive modelling, and its income surrogate programme significantly contributed to portfolio growth.
Additionally, BPI hosted nationwide SME engagement sessions, reaching hundreds of clients while its online learning resources for SMEs garnered millions of views. This comprehensive approach solidifies its position as a leader in the sector, providing substantial support and innovative solutions to its SME clients.
Best bank for customer experience 2025: Chinabank
Chinabank has significantly enhanced the banking experience for its customers in the Philippines through the introduction of its instant credit card issuance programme.
Launched in July 2024, this innovative service enables real-time credit decisions, providing customers with a functioning physical credit card within 30 minutes of application. The initiative has been a major catalyst in credit card acquisitions for Chinabank, driving 32% of total approved applications in 2025.
Initially rolled out in a single location, the programme quickly expanded to over 30 strategic locations across the nation by March 2025. These locations include high-traffic areas like SM Malls and supermarkets, enabling widespread customer access to the instant card issuance service.
The cards issued under this programme have demonstrated superior performance metrics: an active rate that surpasses the rest of the bank’s credit card portfolio by 29% and a usage rate that is 12% higher. The programme also reports an outstandingly low delinquency rate, improving the bank’s average by 2%.
The success of this initiative was supported by a strategic marketing campaign that emphasised speed and efficiency, effectively using relatable comparisons and catchy taglines to enhance brand awareness and increase foot traffic. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the swift approval process and generous credit limits, thus reinforcing Chinabank’s image as an innovative, customer-focused financial institution.
This programme has not only solidified Chinabank’s reputation for customer-centric service but also established it as a leader in market innovation in the banking sector in the Philippines.
Best bank for securities services 2025: HSBC Philippines
HSBC Philippines asserted its dominance in the securities services sector in the Philippines, underpinned by a series of notable achievements, growth metrics and tech improvements.
HSBC Philippines held its position as the Top Custody House awarded by the Philippine Dealing System Group for the 16th consecutive year, with the highest volume and market value of securities held in the Philippine Depository and Trust Corporation, and maintaining a market share exceeding 40% in offshore inbound custody.
The bank saw substantial growth in key operational metrics in 2024, including assets under custody and administration and in custodised accounts. Additionally, HSBC Philippines expanded its strategic partnership with a global insurance firm to assist with a variable unit-linked instrument linked to an offshore exchange-traded fund strategy.
Technological advances were also a focal point. HSBC Philippines introduced several innovative tools including Data Studio, which enables real-time, tailored reporting on custody and fund administration, and the Fund Ordering Model, which offers expanded product access and accelerated account openings. The iQube platform enhances trade visibility and proactive settlement management, while the Transformers platform uses low-code automation to streamline transactions and reduce operational risk.
