The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) celebrated its 175th anniversary on August 1, 2026, marking nearly two centuries of service and leadership in the country’s financial sector. Founded in 1851 as the first bank in the Philippines and the oldest in Southeast Asia, BPI has grown alongside the nation through wars, crises, and periods of progress.
“For 175 years, BPI has stood alongside generations of Filipinos through every milestone, challenge, and opportunity,” said BPI president and CEO TG Limcaoco. “Our history is defined not only by being first, but by continuously serving our customers and contributing to the country’s progress.”
BPI has long led banking innovations in the country, from issuing the first Philippine banknotes in 1855 to launching the first ATM in 1982 and, most recently, becoming the first private universal bank to permanently waive InstaPay and PESONet transfer fees. For the first half of 2026, it reported net income of P32.8 billion and total assets reaching P3.7 trillion.
Today, BPI serves millions through over 1,200 branches, thousands of ATMs and cash machines, a full range of digital platforms, and more than 7,000 Agency Banking partner stores across the country. It is also advancing sustainability goals, with 100 branches now running entirely on clean energy, while its foundation has reached over 5.6 million beneficiaries through financial education and community programs.
