Israel 's attack on Iran may pause monetary policy easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) while also weakening the peso, according to foreign banks. “We think that the spike in oil prices on June 13 due to the Israel-Iran conflict is unlikely to derail the BSP 's decision to...
Manila-based Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured a ₱120-million credit line from Taiwan-based Mega International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. (Mega ICBC), a partnership aimed at expanding financing to the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “With this additional...
The Governance Commission for Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG) has secured an over ₱14-million funding from the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) to harmonize and digitize reporting among state corporations. In 2025, we are proud and honored to have created a partnership...
Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB) has downgraded its 2025 economic growth forecast for the Philippines amid global trade uncertainties, which, in turn, bolstered its expectations of further interest rate cuts. In its new quarterly global outlook report for the third quarter of 2025,...
Even as the Philippine peso depreciated against the United States (US) dollar at a pace that was among the worst among emerging market (EM) currencies last week, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is still expected to cut interest rates this week. Data from the Bankers Association of the...
State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has been recognized by an international group of development financial institutions for its programs aimed at advancing financial inclusion in agriculture and restoring forest cover. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus...
The Sy family’s flagship SM Investments Corporation and its banking arm, BDO Unibank, led the seven Philippine companies that made it to Forbes Magazine’s 23rd Global 2000, which ranks the largest public companies in the world. SMIC was ranked at No. 811 among the world’s top public...
It’s a day late, but Happy Independence Day! Yes, Virginia, June 12 marked the 127th year of our independence. But wait, did you know there’s even more to celebrate every June 12? Based on my research, did you know that June 12 is also Raggedy Ann and Andy Day, as well as National Jerky Day,...
The World Bank is urging the Philippines and many other developing nations to improve not only building standards but also their implementation. According to a June 10 World Bank report titled “ A Global Assessment of Building Codes: Current Status and Evolving Needs to Promote Resilient,...
The Philippines is set to sign a record-high $1-billion loan agreement, or about ₱55.8 billion, from the World Bank to provide budgetary support for the country’s major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the agriculture sector. According to the World Bank’s website, the funding support...
Washington-based World Bank has retained its below-target 5.3 percent growth forecast for the Philippines in 2025 as heightened policy uncertainties and softer business and consumer confidence continue to weigh on investment, exports, and consumption across the region, including the Philippines....
A new $400-million (over ₱22-billion) loan to be greenlit by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Philippines aims to enhance its host country 's business environment through technology. An ADB concept note dated May 31 showed that the fact-finding mission for the Business...
