Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., or Metrobank, reported a steady net income of P24.9 billion for the first half of 2026, delivering stable earnings even as the broader business environment remained difficult for the banking sector. Supported by consistent loan growth, steady margins, and modest fee income, the bank’s core operations proved resilient through uncertain conditions.
President Fabian Dee noted that the tough operating landscape required discipline and focus, adding that the results reflect the strength of Metrobank’s core businesses, the continued trust of its clients, and a careful approach to balancing growth with risk. He said the bank would keep supporting customers while pursuing sustainable progress amid uncertainty.
Net interest income rose 12.8 percent to P67.7 billion, with the net interest margin holding steady at 3.7 percent. Gross loans grew 12.4 percent year-on-year, driven by a 12.8 percent rise in corporate and commercial loans to fund client investments and working capital, while consumer loans climbed 11.1 percent led by credit cards and mortgages. Total deposits increased 10.4 percent to P2.6 trillion, with low-cost current and savings accounts making up 60.5 percent of the total, and the loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 81.1 percent, leaving ample room for further lending expansion.
Fee and trust income grew 9.3 percent to P10 billion, helping offset softer trading income from volatile markets. Operating costs rose 10.1 percent to P42.4 billion, driven largely by transaction-related taxes and investments in digital capabilities, bringing the cost-to-income ratio to 52.4 percent.
Asset quality remained strong, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.8 percent-well below the industry average of 3.4 percent. The bank raised credit provisions by 26.8 percent to maintain a high NPL coverage ratio of 133.3 percent as a safeguard against potential economic pressures. Restructured loans stayed minimal at just 0.3 percent of the total, compared with 2.0 percent across the industry.
Metrobank’s total assets grew 12.7 percent to P3.9 trillion, ranking it second among the country’s private universal banks by asset size. Equity rose 4.9 percent to P409.7 billion, while key capital and liquidity measures remained comfortably above regulatory requirements: capital adequacy at 14.9 percent, common equity Tier 1 at 14.2 percent, and the liquidity coverage ratio at 150.1 percent.
