Asia United Bank (AUB) posted a record net income of P3.2 billion in the first quarter as the bank sustained strong profitability amid a challenging global economic environment.
The bank posted a Return on Equity (ROE) of 19.3 percent and Return on Assets (ROA) of 3.2 percent, while its Net Interest Margin (NIM) widened to 5.3 percent from 5.1 percent a year earlier, driven by effective asset-liability management and a strong funding base.
AUB also strengthened its balance sheet during the period, with its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) rising to 19.3 percent and Common Equity Tier 1 ratio improving to 18.7 percent, both comfortably above regulatory requirements and providing ample buffer against macroeconomic risks while supporting future growth.
The bank maintained momentum across its core businesses, with total loans and receivables increasing 9.4 percent year-on-year to P276.2 billion. Total deposit liabilities climbed 8.9 percent to P335.5 billion, while the CASA-to-total deposits ratio surged to 78 percent from 69 percent last year, reinforcing AUB’s low-cost funding position.
Operational efficiency likewise improved, as the bank’s cost-to-income ratio eased to 30.4 percent from 32.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025. Despite raising credit provisions to P331.3 million, AUB kept its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at a low 0.44 percent and maintained a strong NPL coverage ratio of 111.2 percent.
AUB’s strong financial showing was matched by fresh international recognition. The bank recently received Straight Through Processing (STP) Excellence Awards from J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank for achieving automated and error-free international fund transfer rates of up to 99.3 percent for U.S. dollar payments.
On the domestic front, the bank’s trust business also earned accolades after the AUB Peso Investment Fund and the AUB Gold Dollar Fund — which marked its 10th consecutive year of recognition — were named “Best Managed Funds” by CFA Society Philippines in February 2026.
“These achievements and our historic-high financial results serve as a powerful validation of our ability to maintain stability and growth in a ‘permacrisis’ environment,” said AUB President Manuel A. Gomez. “Our robust internal controls and investment strategies are built to withstand extreme external shocks while delivering world-class service.”
Despite ongoing global volatility, including tensions in the Middle East, AUB said its latest recognitions from J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered Bank and CFA Society Philippines highlight the bank’s commitment to operational excellence and consistent performance.
“These are testimonies to the high standard of performance of AUB’s officers and staff, and your dedication to serving clients,” said Tet Sangil, head of financial institutions at Standard Chartered Bank.
“Earning recognition from our global payments partners emboldens us to further improve our digital capabilities while remaining strictly compliant with SWIFT standards, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas security requirements, and all regulations covering money laundering and terrorism financing checks,” added Wilfredo E. Rodriguez Jr., AUB executive vice president and head of IT and Operations.
