Banking & Insurance

While slowing oil and food prices recently cooled headline inflation in the Philippines, persistent domestic threats and rising core inflation are keeping policymakers on high alert, signaling that further interest rate hikes may be necessary to protect long-term economic growth, according to data analysis by the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is urging Philippine businesses to stay on guard against trade and foreign exchange risks, warning that months of geopolitical disruptions will continue to weigh on cash flows and profitability even as global oil prices retreat and key shipping routes reopen.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the country's gross international reserves (GIR) remained robust at USD104.8 billion as of end-June 2026, providing a solid financial buffer despite easing from USD110.8 billion at the close of 2025. The central bank said the reserve level remains more than sufficient to support the economy against external shocks while ensuring the country's ability to meet import requirements and service foreign debt obligations.

East West Banking Corporation served as the exclusive bank partner for JCI Manila’s 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), an event held at PHINMA Plaza in Makati City to honor exceptional Filipino educators whose work transforms lives and communities nationwide.

Global banking giant Citi has rolled out a new market-leading solution: tokenized digital depositary receipts for private company shares. This makes Citi the first global financial firm to both issue and act as custodian for this type of instrument, creating a clearer, more direct way for private businesses and investors to connect.