Asia United Bank (AUB) is accelerating its digital transformation with artificial intelligence, expanded capital, and new financial services as it positions itself for sustained growth amid an economic environment expected to be shaped by inflation and currency volatility.
Coming off a record 2025, the lender unveiled a forward-looking strategy that combines fintech-like innovation with the financial strength of a universal bank, aiming to deepen customer engagement while maintaining prudent risk management.
A centerpiece of the plan is the deployment of generative artificial intelligence to provide personalized financial advice to millions of digital users and use predictive analytics to offer pre-approved credit to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a segment seen as a key driver of economic activity.
To fund future expansion, AUB’s board, led by newly elected Chairman Abraham T. Co, approved an increase in the bank’s authorized capital stock to P72.5 billion from P14.7 billion, subject to shareholder approval.
The board also declared cash dividends totaling P2.50 per share, to be paid in three tranches this year and approved a proposed 100-percent stock dividend, reflecting confidence in the bank’s financial position as it pursues long-term growth.
The strategy builds on AUB’s strongest financial performance to date. In 2025, net income climbed 12 percent to a record P12.7 billion, while total assets expanded 13 percent to P435 billion, and its loan portfolio reached P276 billion.
The lender also continued to outperform the industry in asset quality, posting a non-performing loan ratio of just 0.38 percent, well below the banking sector average. Its capital position remained robust, with its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio improving to 18.39 percent and capital adequacy ratio rising to 19.11 percent.
AUB is also strengthening its digital ecosystem. Its HelloMoney e-wallet now serves nearly 9 million users with expanded cross-border payment capabilities through the Alipay+ network, while the upcoming AUB PayMate Business platform will offer automated invoicing and real-time inventory financing for MSMEs, highlighting the bank’s broader push to expand digital financial services.
