The Central Bank of the Philippines published preliminary data showing that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the central bank, increased by 12.8% year on year in January 2025, up from 12.2% in December 2024. On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, net outstanding U/KB loans rose by 1.4%. Loans to residents, net of RRPs, grew by 13.3% year on year (December: 12.4%), while loans to non-residents fell by 3.5% after a 5.7% increase in the previous month. Loans for production activities expanded by 11.8% (December: 10.8%), reflecting continued growth in lending to real estate (9.8%), electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply (23.6%), wholesale and retail trade including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair (13.9%), transportation and storage (21.4%), and manufacturing (4.6%). Consumer loans to residents rose by 24.4% (December: 25.0%), driven by credit card and motor vehicle lending.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-03-06
Central Bank of the Philippines reports universal and commercial bank loan growth rose to 12.8 percent year on year in January 2025
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a 12.8% year-on-year increase in outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements, in January 2025. Loans to residents grew by 13.3%, while loans to non-residents decreased by 3.5%. Production activity loans rose by 11.8%, with significant growth in sectors such as real estate, electricity, and retail trade.