Metrobank raises record ₱35 billion from oversubscribed ASEAN bond offering
Ty-led Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has successfully raised ₱35 billion from the issuance of Series F Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sustainability peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds, its largest peso bond issuance to date and seven times the base offer of ₱5 billion.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Tuesday, April 14, the bank said the bonds have been listed on Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx), with the proceeds to be used to support its sustainable finance initiatives.
Metrobank’s ASEAN sustainability bonds have a tenor of 1.5 years and carry a fixed interest rate of 5.4727 percent per annum.
The issuance saw strong demand from both institutional and retail investors. The public offer period was initially scheduled to run from March 17 to 30, 2026, but closed early last March 23 due to robust investor interest.
Proceeds from the issuance will be used to diversify Metrobank’s funding sources and support its lending activities. In line with the bank’s sustainable finance framework (SFF), the funds will be allocated to finance or refinance eligible green and social assets, supporting projects that contribute to environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
Metrobank’s SFF was assigned an SQS2, or ‘very good,’ sustainability quality score by global debt watcher Moody’s Ratings, reflecting strong alignment with recognized principles and measurable environmental and social objectives.
“We are encouraged by the strong response to this issuance, which reflects the trust our clients and partners continue to place in Metrobank,” said John Lu, head of Metrobank’s treasury group.
He noted that, “It also highlights the growing demand for investments that deliver not only financial returns, but also meaningful and lasting impact.”
First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch, and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) acted as joint lead managers and bookrunners. Alongside Metrobank, they also served as selling agents, with ING acting as sustainability coordinator.
As market conditions continue to evolve, Metrobank underscores the importance of taking a disciplined and forward-looking approach to financial decisions.
By enabling investments that support both stability and long-term growth, the bank said it continues to guide its clients in navigating uncertainty through actions that promote resilience and readiness for opportunities.