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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider Metrobank eyes ₱5-billion ASEAN sustainability bond issue after record profit year

Metrobank eyes ₱5-billion ASEAN sustainability bond issue after record profit year

Published Mar 4, 2026 09:43 am

Ty-led Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is planning to issue its first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sustainability peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds to raise at least ₱5 billion, with an oversubscription option and a tenor of 1.5 years.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Wednesday, March 4, the bank said the planned issuance was approved by its president, Fabian Dee, under its ₱154.5-billion program.

“This is part of the bank’s issuances of bonds and commercial papers of up to ₱200 billion, which was approved by the bank’s board of directors on Dec. 15, 2021,” it added.

The bank, which has been rated Baa2 (stable) and BBB- (stable) by debt watchers Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, respectively, said an offering may follow subject to market conditions.

Proceeds will be used to diversify the bank’s funding sources while supporting its lending operations and will be allocated to finance or refinance eligible assets as defined in Metrobank’s sustainable finance framework.

Metrobank said it has mandated First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch, and Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for the bond issuance.

The bank reported another banner year as net income grew 17 percent to an all-time high of ₱49.7 billion in 2025 from ₱42.2 billion in 2024.

Profit growth was supported by modest asset expansion, resilient margins, healthy trading income, and contained cost growth. Pre-provision operating profit accelerated by 17.1 percent to ₱78.4 billion.

“This full-year performance reflects the trust of our clients, the dedication of our people, and our commitment to disciplined growth,” Dee said.

He added that, “We continue to strengthen our balance sheet while expanding support to businesses and consumers who drive the Philippine economy. Our focus remains clear, and that is to grow alongside our stakeholders and contribute to the country’s sustained progress.”

Metrobank’s net interest income increased by 9.2 percent to ₱124.6 billion, in line with the 8.8-percent expansion in gross loans. Corporate and commercial loans grew by 7.4 percent, reflecting economic growth trends, while consumer loans expanded at a healthy pace of 13.9 percent.

Total deposits edged up to ₱2.7 trillion, of which low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) accounted for 59.2 percent. A loan-to-deposit ratio of 74.9 percent shows the bank still has ample capacity to meet customers’ additional funding needs.

Meanwhile, total non-interest income rose by 11.6 percent to ₱33.5 billion, with fee and trust income increasing by a modest six percent to ₱19.2 billion.

Trading and foreign exchange income surged 47.2 percent to ₱8.2 billion in 2025, backed by strong customer flows and favorable trading opportunities.

Related Tags

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company Fabian S. Dee
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