EastWest Banking Corporation reported a net income of P1.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, supported by growth in its core banking businesses despite challenging economic and geopolitical conditions.
Bank revenues rose 15 percent to P13.3 billion, driven mainly by higher loan volumes and improved funding cost management. Net interest income increased 20 percent to P11.1 billion, while fee income grew 8 percent to P1.9 billion. However, non-interest income was affected by weaker trading performance due to market volatility.
EastWest chief executive officer Jerry G. Ngo said the bank’s stable earnings base helped sustain revenue growth despite volatile market conditions.
Core income, excluding trading-related volatility, climbed 19 percent to P13.6 billion. Operating expenses edged up 1 percent to P6.4 billion, while pre-provision operating profit increased 32 percent to P6.9 billion. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 47.9 percent.
Provisions for credit losses reached P4.7 billion as the bank maintained a conservative approach to risk management amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. Non-performing loan coverage was at 85 percent.
Total assets expanded 11 percent to P588.9 billion, with loans rising 14 percent to P390.4 billion and deposits also growing 14 percent to P455.3 billion. The bank’s CASA ratio remained strong at 78 percent.
EastWest also maintained capital levels above regulatory requirements, with a capital adequacy ratio of 12.8 percent and a CET1 ratio of 12 percent.
Aside from its financial results, the bank received recognition for digital innovation and wealth management. Its ESTA platform won three awards at the Digital CX Awards 2026, while EastWest was named Philippines’ Best for Discretionary Portfolio Management at the 2026 Euromoney Private Banking Awards for the second straight year.
