The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) published preliminary data showing that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks grew 9.3% year on year in January 2026, easing from a revised 9.6% in December 2025. On a seasonally adjusted basis, outstanding loans increased 1.0% month on month. Loans to residents rose 9.9% year on year (from a revised 10.1%), while loans to non-residents fell 10.4% (from a revised 8.0% decline). Business loans expanded 8.2%, with lending growth recorded in real estate activities (9.1%), electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply (20.3%), wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (8.3%), financial and insurance activities (5.5%), information and communication (4.9%), and transportation and storage (19.1%). Consumer loans to residents increased 21.3% (from a revised 21.5%), covering credit card, motor vehicle and general-purpose salary loans; the loan series excludes universal and commercial banks’ reverse repurchase agreements with the BSP, and non-resident loans include foreign currency deposit units’ lending. The central bank reiterated that it monitors bank lending as a key monetary policy transmission channel and will keep liquidity and lending conditions aligned with its price and financial stability mandates.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2026-03-09
Central Bank of the Philippines reports slower 9.3% growth in universal and commercial bank lending in January 2026
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a 9.3% year-on-year growth in outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks in January 2026, down from 9.6% in December 2025. Loans to residents increased by 9.9%, while loans to non-residents decreased by 10.4%. The central bank emphasized its commitment to monitoring bank lending to ensure alignment with its monetary policy and stability mandates.