THE Philippine thrift banking sector posted double-digit growth in 2025, with total assets rising 25 percent to P1.38 trillion from P1.1 trillion a year earlier, driven by higher lending and continued deposit growth.
The industry’s loan portfolio expanded 26 percent to P977.32 billion, sustained by financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), housing and consumer lending.
Deposit liabilities climbed 26 percent to P1.03 trillion, while total capital expanded 21 percent to P209.63 billion, keeping the sector’s capital adequacy ratio at 17.17 percent — well above the regulatory minimum.
The non-performing loan ratio stood at 6 percent.
“These are not merely incremental gains. They are structural signals of strength that demonstrate the sector’s stability, resilience and capacity for sustainable growth,” Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) President Jaime Valentin Araneta said.
He attributed the performance to a hybrid business model combining physical branches with digital platforms, which he said has allowed thrift banks to stay competitive amid rapid shifts in technology and consumer behavior.
The CTB said digital transformation remains a top industry priority, with the chamber helping member-banks adopt technology solutions suited to their size and business models.
It expects artificial intelligence to open new opportunities in credit underwriting, fraud detection, cybersecurity, data governance and personalized financial services.
The chamber said it will continue working with regulators and lawmakers to ensure policies remain responsive to the needs of thrift banks, as the financial sector expands its digital systems.
