East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) recorded a P6.6-billion net income for the first nine months of the year, up 14 percent from the same period last year, supported by steady core revenue growth. The bank’s return on equity (ROE)stood at 11.6 percent.
Revenues grew 16 percent year-on-year to P37.3 billion, led by an 18 percent rise in net interest income to P29.7 billion from its expanding consumer lending portfolio, which grew 17 percent and now represents 85 percent of total loans. Fee income also increased 27 percent to P5.3 billion.
Operating expenses went up only 7 percent to P19.2 billion, slower than revenue growth, resulting in a stronger cost-to-income ratio of 51.4 percent, down by 412 basis points, reflecting better productivity and digital efficiencies.
EastWest also advanced its digital and retail initiatives, partnering with AutoDeal to streamline auto loan processing and adding new features to its EasyWay platform, including online applications for loans, credit cards, and deposits, plus QR-based InstaPay transfers. The launch of the EastWest BizAccess Visa Debit Card further expanded its services for small and medium businesses.
The bank’s total assets climbed 11 percent to P552.9 billion, supported by a 12 percent increase in deposits to P415.8 billion and a strong CASA ratio of 81 percent. Its priority banking business surpassed P100 billion in assets under management. Capital buffers remained solid, with a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 13.6 percent and CET1 ratio of 12.7 percent, both above regulatory requirements.
CEO Jerry G. Ngo said the results reflect EastWest’s “thriving consumer banking business and effective funding strategies,” highlighting the bank’s focus on sustainable growth and risk management.
EastWest also earned multiple industry honors, including two Golden Arrow awards for corporate governance, a Philippine Quill Award for communications excellence, PMAP’s People Program of the Year, and international recognition for its asset management and priority banking services.
EastWest’s performance underscores the continued strength of its consumer banking and digital transformation strategy, signaling resilience amid competitive market conditions. Its profitability, efficient cost management, and solid capital base position the bank for sustained commercial growth and innovation in the banking sector.
