Persistent price pressures are expected to keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on alert, but foreign observers are now urging a more dovish stance, including a potential year-long pause, following the central bank 's “restrained” rate hike to 4.75 percent. British banking giant...
Forty-two Philippine companies earned spots on the third annual Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking, driven by strong performances from the country’s largest family-led conglomerates and financial institutions. Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc., the controlling shareholder of San Miguel Corp.,...
The Philippines secured only one merger and acquisition (M&A) deal in the first quarter of the year, reflecting a regional slowdown in foreign deal-making amid a challenging economic environment. According to a report by business news platform DealStreetAsia, the country’s M&A deal volume dropped...
A stronger and more resilient middle class is critical to sustainably reducing poverty and achieving inclusive economic growth in the Philippines, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). Speaking at the launch of the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Assessment...
Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR) reinforced the investment-grade profile of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), the active portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, by assigning it an “A-” foreign currency long-term issuer rating with a “stable” outlook. In a statement last Tuesday, May...
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. has urged banks to continue strengthening governance, transparency, and internal controls, saying these safeguards become most critical during periods of economic and financial uncertainty. Speaking during the inaugural Corporate...
The research arm of German lender Deutsche Bank expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to deliver bigger interest rate hikes than previously anticipated as inflation risks intensify, while also lowering its economic growth forecasts for the Philippines amid mounting external pressures and...
The interagency Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) has flagged rising risks to the Philippine financial system stemming from the prolonged war in the Middle East, increasing corporate vulnerabilities, and growing household debt, although officials said the country’s banking sector...
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has amended the exposure limits for unit investment trust funds (UITFs), allowing funds invested in exchange-traded equities to take on larger exposure to a single entity or issuer under certain conditions. Under the BSP’s Circular No. 1234 signed by BSP...
Zobel-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is aiming to reach 50 million customers, of which 20 million will be underbanked and underserved Filipinos, as part of its financial inclusion commitment. In a press conference, BPI Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric...
Social Security System (SSS) is preparing to launch an energy sustainability loan program in September to help qualified members finance residential solar panel systems amid elevated electricity costs. In a statement on Friday, May 22, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Joseph...
Zobel-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is weighing the debut issuance of blue or sustainability-linked bonds to fund water and marine projects, though heightened market volatility fueled by conflicts in the Middle East has clouded the timing for a 2026 launch. During the bank’s press...
