The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) published findings from its 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey (CFIS), pointing to improved financial inclusion among young adults and women and a shift from informal to formal borrowing, alongside higher financial literacy. The data also show that overall adult account ownership fell, while household-level access and the use of digital channels continued to expand. Account ownership among young adults aged 15 to 19 increased to 34 percent in 2025 from 27 percent in 2021, with “financial accounts” defined to include bank accounts, e-wallets and other transaction accounts. Women’s bank account ownership rose to 25 percent from 20 percent, exceeding men’s 22 percent (down from 26 percent). Borrowing incidence dropped to 25 percent of adults from 45 percent, with 16 percent borrowing from formal channels such as banks versus 10 percent using informal lenders, reversing the 2021 pattern. Financial literacy improved, with 74 percent answering at least half of the literacy questions correctly (69 percent previously), while 78 percent reported avoiding sharing personal information online and 64 percent reported verifying that a financial institution is regulated before transacting. Adult account ownership declined to 50 percent from 56 percent, partly linked to fewer loan-associated transaction accounts, particularly from microfinance institutions and cooperatives, consistent with reduced borrowing from these providers; by contrast, the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey indicated 85 percent of households had at least one account in 2025 (74 percent in 2024) and 62 percent used electronic devices for online financial transactions (53 percent). The BSP framed the results within its National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022 to 2028, under which it continues to work with government, the private sector and development partners on digitalization, financial literacy, consumer protection and trust in the formal financial system.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2026-04-15
Central Bank of the Philippines reports youth and women inclusion gains but lower adult account ownership in its 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey
The Central Bank of the Philippines’ 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey reports improved financial inclusion among young adults and women, a shift from informal to formal borrowing, and higher financial literacy, despite a decline in overall adult account ownership. It notes increased account ownership for 15–19 year olds and women, reduced borrowing but greater use of formal lenders, stronger consumer cyber-hygiene, and expanding household-level account access and digital channel use. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas links the findings to its National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022–2028, emphasizing digitalization, financial literacy, consumer protection, and trust in the formal financial system.