EastWest Bank seeks ₱9 billion in capital to fuel expansion plans
East West Banking Corp., the financial services arm of the Gotianun group, is raising ₱9 billion through a proposed stock rights offering (SRO) of common shares to existing shareholders.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the bank said offer proceeds will support its strategic growth, expansion plans, general corporate purposes, and financing requirements.
EastWest Bank said its expansion includes scaling up its wealth and priority banking propositions, investing in transformative digital technologies, and funding loan growth across key retail and business segments.
“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,” said EastWest Bank President and CEO Jerry G. Ngo.
“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,” he added.
The transaction underscores EastWest’s commitment to sustaining growth, enhancing shareholder value, and maintaining a strong capital foundation to execute its long-term strategy.
Approved by the board of directors on Aug. 27, 2026, the SRO will be backed by major shareholders Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) and FDC Ventures Inc., which have committed to subscribe to all unsubscribed shares.
In a separate disclosure, FDC said its board authorized management during a special meeting on Aug. 27 to proceed with the group’s participation in the offering. This includes FDC and FDC Ventures subscribing to their respective entitlement shares and simultaneously applying for any additional rights shares available under the SRO.
The FDC board also approved the subscription by Filinvest Infra-Solution Ventures Inc. (FINSOLVE)—or another designated wholly owned FDC subsidiary—to any remaining unsubscribed shares.
“The foregoing is intended to support EW, enable the FDC Group to maintain its ownership interest in EW, and ensure the success of the SRO,” FDC said.
Meanwhile, EastWest’s board delegated authority to its CEO to finalize the offer's terms, conditions, structure, and execution, as well as handle all regulatory filings with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the PSE, and other agencies.
AB Capital & Investment Corp. was tapped as issue manager and sole underwriter for the transaction.
EastWest Bank is one of the country’s leading consumer-focused lenders. As of June 2026, it held total assets of ₱623.9 billion and managed one of the Philippine banking industry’s largest consumer loan portfolios at ₱337.6 billion. (James A. Loyola)