East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) posted a 19 percent year-on-year increase in net income to P4.1 billion in the first half of 2025, supported by strong core revenue growth, particularly from its consumer lending and commercial banking businesses.
Revenues grew by 17 percent to P23.8 billion, with net interest income climbing 15 percent to P19.2 billion. Consumer loans, which comprise 84 percent of EastWest’s loan book, rose 15 percent. Fee income also surged 29 percent to P3.5 billion, reflecting increased client activity across commercial and retail segments.
CEO Jerry G. Ngo attributed the results to robust core banking operations and enhanced productivity: “Our performance reflects strong consumer banking momentum and effective cost discipline, reinforcing profitability.”
The bank’s return on equity stood at 11.1 percent, while operating expenses rose only 9 percent to P12.7 billion. This led to a 380-basis point improvement in cost-to-income ratio, now at 53.2 percent, aided by digital efficiencies and a more streamlined cost structure.
Total assets expanded 8 percent to P537.6 billion, funded by a solid 11 percent growth in deposits to P412.6 billion. The CASA ratio remained strong at 79 percent, and capital ratios stayed well above regulatory thresholds, with CAR at 13.4 percent and CET1 at 12.6 percent.
President Jackie S. Fernandez highlighted continued efforts to deepen client engagement and expand access through digital platforms like the EasyWay App, alongside broader transformation initiatives in branch operations.
Recognizing its growing influence in retail and commercial banking, EastWest was named “Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines” and “Most Consumer-Centric Bank”, while also earning regulatory and workplace accolades.
The bank’s first-half results underscore its strengthened corporate position and customer-driven strategy as it continues to scale within the competitive Philippine banking landscape.
