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The Philippines has a thriving banking industry with several large banks operating in the country. The largest banks in the Philippines are dominated by a few key players, including BDO Unibank and Metrobank.
BDO Unibank is the largest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets, with a network of over 1,500 branches and 12,000 ATMs. It offers a wide range of financial products and services.
Metrobank is the second-largest bank in the Philippines, with a strong presence in rural areas and a wide range of financial products. Its extensive network of branches and ATMs allows it to serve a large customer base.
Other major banks in the Philippines include Bank of the Philippine Islands and Union Bank of the Philippines, which also have a significant presence in the country's banking sector.
List of Largest Banks
The Philippines has a thriving banking industry, with numerous large banks operating in the country. There are currently 43 universal and commercial banks in the Philippines.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (the central bank of the Philippines), the top 10 universal and commercial banks in the country are led by BDO Unibank Inc., with assets totaling 2,484,620,573,596.92 Philippine pesos as of September 2017.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 universal and commercial banks in the Philippines, based on their assets:
Universal Banks
Universal banks in the Philippines are financial service conglomerates that combine investment banking, commercial banking, development banking, and insurance to offer a wide variety of services.
There are 21 universal banks with active operations in the Philippines as of March 2018, according to Bangko Sentral. These banks are the foundation of the country's financial system.
Some of the universal banks in the Philippines include BDO Unibank, Inc., which is the top bank in terms of assets, with total assets net worth US$48.98 billion and a net profit of US$94.67 million. Banco De Oro, often abbreviated as BDO, offers a range of financial products, including loans for individuals and businesses, as well as deposit products.
Universal banks are also authorized to engage in other functions such as merchant banking, mutual funds, factoring, housing finance, and practically all types of functions typical in the banking business. They have a significant presence in the country, with many operating branches in various locations.
Here is a list of some of the universal banks in the Philippines:
- Land Bank of the Philippines
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- Deutsche Bank AG
- ING Bank N.V.
- Mitzuho Bank, Ltd. – Manila Branch
- Standard Chartered Bank
- The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation
- Asia United Bank Corporation
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
- Security Bank Corporation
- Union Bank of the Philippines
- Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines
- Development Bank of the Philippines
- Bank of the Philippine Islands
- BDO Unibank, Inc.
- United Coconut Planters Bank
- China Banking Corporation
- East West Banking Corporation
- Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
- Philippine National Bank
- Philippine Trust Company
These universal banks play a vital role in the country's financial system, providing a wide range of services to individuals, businesses, and the government.
J.P. Morgan Chase
J.P. Morgan Chase started its operations in the Philippines with a representative bank back in 1961.
The bank was able to secure a full franchise, allowing it to offer a range of services including corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, equity, sales and trading, and treasury services.
As a global banking brand, J.P. Morgan's main clients include high-profile corporations and institutions in more than 100 countries.
The bank is also known for its advocacies and charitable efforts, with a significant commitment to philanthropy.
Bank Structure
The bank structure in the Philippines is regulated by the Central Bank of the Philippines, also known as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which was formed in July 1993.
There are different types of banks in the country, including universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, rural banks, credit unions, and non-banks. Universal and commercial banks make up around 90% of the total market share of the banking industry.
Here are the different types of banks in the Philippines:
- Universal and commercial banks provide a wide range of banking services.
- Thrift banks collect savings from depositors and invest them.
- Rural banks operate in communities and provide financial help to promote and develop the rural economy.
- Credit unions are regulated by their members and follow the principle of helping the general people.
- Non-banks offer bank-related financial services without a full banking license.
Rural and Cooperative Banks
Rural and Cooperative Banks play a vital role in the Philippine banking system. They operate in communities and provide financial help in promoting and developing the rural economy.
These banks cater to the needs of small savers and entrepreneurs, offering services like collecting deposits and investing them in profitable portfolios. They also give services to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
There are several rural and cooperative banks in the Philippines, with assets ranging from millions to billions of Philippine Pesos. According to the Bangko Sentral, the top 10 rural and cooperative banks in the country are:
These banks are regulated by the members and follow the principle of helping the general people, making them a vital part of the Philippine banking system.
Philippine National Security Corporation
The Philippine National Security Corporation is a state-owned bank that plays a crucial role in the country's financial system.
It was established in 1975 to provide financing for the government's security and defense programs.
The corporation's main objective is to support the country's national security by providing loans and other financial services to the government and its agencies.
The Philippine National Security Corporation is also involved in the development of the country's defense industry by providing financing for the production of defense equipment and supplies.
The corporation's financial performance is closely monitored by the government to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and providing a stable source of funding for the country's security needs.
PBCom
PBCom has 93 branches located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Established in 1939 in Binondo, PBCom has a rich history in the Philippines.
In 2014, Puregold founder Lucio Co became PBCom's strategic investor, giving the bank significant leverage for growth via the ecosystem of Puregold Group.
PBCom offers a suite of personal and business banking services, going beyond deposit and savings accounts by offering investments and loans for personal banking.
Its business banking division is centered on offering products and services designed for big and small enterprises, including loans, investments, and cash management solutions.
The PBCom Tower was the tallest building in the Philippines from 2000 to 2017.
Security
Security is a crucial aspect of any bank's structure. It offers a wide range of products and services to cater to different customer needs.
Savings accounts, checking accounts, and time deposits are some of the basic banking products provided by Security Bank. These accounts allow customers to manage their finances and earn interest on their deposits.
Security Bank also offers investment services, which can help customers grow their wealth over time. This can be a great option for those looking to secure their financial future.
In addition to personal banking services, Security Bank provides loan services to customers who need financial assistance. This can be a lifesaver for those facing unexpected expenses or financial emergencies.
Security Bank's wealth management services help customers make informed investment decisions and achieve their financial goals. This can be a valuable resource for those looking to plan for retirement or other long-term financial objectives.
Security Bank's business leasing services offer office space and equipment to businesses, providing them with the resources they need to operate and grow. This can be a great option for startups or small businesses looking to expand their operations.
Here are some of the key products and services offered by Security Bank's security division:
- Savings accounts
- Checking accounts
- Time deposit
- Investment
- Loan services
- Wealth management
- Business leasing (office space and equipment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Philippine bank is international?
HSBC is the international bank in the Philippines, offering a full suite of banking products and global connectivity to support businesses. With its rich history and expertise in the country, HSBC is the global banking choice for Filipino businesses.
What is the most safest bank in the Philippines?
According to the FinanceAsia Awards 2024, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is considered the safest bank in the Philippines, recognized for its outstanding performance among leading financial institutions in Asia.
Sources
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-biggest-banks.html
- https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/banks-in-philippines/
- https://blog.itsjack.com/insight-en/largest-banks-in-philippines/
- https://www.moneymax.ph/personal-finance/articles/commercial-banks
- https://doingbusinessinthephilippines.com/list-of-banks-in-the-philippines/
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