Banking & Insurance

Lender scales up education, livelihood and sustainability initiatives CSR Security Bank said it expanded its community, education, and sustainability programs across the country in 2025, reaching thousands of Filipinos through livelihood support, disaster response, education, culture, and green financing. The bank supported livelihoods by providing cacao seedlings and poultry kits to 40 farmers and solo parents in Aklan, mentoring 980 families in Cebu on small business and financial skills, and assisting 661 families affected by disasters in Cebu through food relief. Solar-powered streetlights were also installed in a remote community in Pampanga to improve safety and access to clean energy. Education remained a major focus. With the Security Bank Foundation, the bank donated 901 classrooms to 153 public schools nationwide, trained school leaders and teachers, supported more than 300 scholars, and provided free eye checkups and eyeglasses to 1,170 students. Security Bank also promoted culture and inclusion by supporting women leaders through the Bravo Empowered Women Awards, backing heritage events, and launching its first Paint for the Planet art competition, which drew more than 300 Filipino artists. On the environment, bank employees and partners planted 940 mangrove seedlings in La Union as part of a long-term goal to plant 10,000 mangroves to help protect coastal communities from climate risks. In sustainable finance, Security Bank exceeded its 2025 target by disbursing ₱99.4 billion in green and social loans. These funds helped provide clean water to 500,000 households, expand healthcare facilities with 544 beds and clinic rooms, and create livelihood opportunities for more than 400,000 people, mostly women. Security Bank said these milestones reflect its commitment to inclusive growth, environmental protection, and long-term community development across the Philippines.

Union Bank of the Philippines is doubling down on its digital ambitions after its board approved the infusion of up to P1.3 billion in additional capital into its wholly owned subsidiary, UnionDigital Bank Inc.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is stepping up efforts to deepen the money market, expand capital market development, and improve cross-border payments to support economic growth and financial stability, BSP deputy governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja said at the 4th ASEAN+3 Economic Cooperation and Financial Stability Forum held in November in Hong Kong.

Maya has tapped M Pioneer Insurance Inc. In offering SafeTrip travel insurance directly in the Maya app, giving Filipino travelers simple, affordable, and easy access to protection before they go abroad.

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has signed a landmark loan facility agreement with Discovery Capital Finance Corp. (DCFC) to strengthen financial support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country. The partnership aims to help local businesses access the capital they need to grow, create jobs, and drive economic activity in communities outside major cities.