ASIA United Bank (AUB) posted a record consolidated net income of P3.2 billion in the first quarter, up from P3.1 billion in the same period last year, driven by growth in lending and deposits, wider margins and improved efficiency.
In a statement on Monday, the bank said return on equity reached 19.3 percent while return on assets stood at 3.2 percent during the January-to-March period.
Net interest margin improved to 5.3 percent from 5.1 percent a year earlier, supported by effective asset-liability management and a strong funding base.
Loans and receivables grew 9.4 percent year on year to P276.2 billion, while total deposits increased 8.9 percent to P335.5 billion.
The bank also improved its current account savings account to total deposits ratio to 78 percent from 69 percent, reflecting a stronger low-cost funding base, while its cost to income ratio improved to 30.4 percent from 32.6 percent previously.
In line with prudent banking policy, credit provisions were raised to P331.3 million, with AUB maintaining a non-performing loan ratio of 0.44 percent and a non-performing loan coverage ratio of 111.2 percent.
AUB also strengthened its capital position, with capital adequacy ratio rising to 19.3 percent and common equity tier 1 ratio improving to 18.7 percent, both above regulatory requirements.
“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,” AUB President Manuel Gomez said.
“Our robust internal controls and investment strategies are built to withstand extreme external shocks while delivering world-class service,” he added.
The bank also cited recognitions received during the quarter, including the “Straight Through Processing Excellence Awards” from JPMorgan and Standard Chartered Bank for achieving automated and error-free international fund transfer rates of as high as 99.3 percent for US dollar-denominated payments.
“These are testimonies to the high standard of performance of AUB’s officers and staff, and your dedication to serving clients,” said Tet Sangil, financial institutions head at Standard Chartered.
Meanwhile, the bank’s Peso Investment Fund and Gold Dollar Fund were named “Best Managed Funds” by the CFA Society Philippines in February 2026, extending AUB’s winning streak to 10 years for its Gold Dollar Fund.
“Earning recognition from our global payments partners emboldens us to further improve on our digital capabilities while being strictly adherent to the requirements on industry standards for the SWIFT environment,” said Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr., AUB executive vice president.
The bank’s shares on Monday rose P0.70, or 1.61 percent, to close at P44.10 each, outperforming the broader market, with the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index finishing down 0.59 percent.
