The Central Bank of the Philippines published results of a Social Weather Stations survey it commissioned showing that 58 percent of Filipino adults aged 18 and above owned a formal financial account in the first quarter of 2026. The reading was up from 48 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and above the level recorded in the central bank’s 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey. Ownership increased across all geographic areas, income groups, and education levels. E-money accounts were the main driver, with 43 percent of adults reporting one, while 21 percent said they had a bank account. Among adults without an account, about one in three said another household member had one, and the main barriers were lack of money, unemployment, and limited knowledge of how to open an account. The survey covered 1,500 individuals and will inform the central bank’s financial education and communication work, including Paleng-QR Ph Plus, which supports on-site account opening.
Central Bank of the Philippines2026-05-22
Central Bank of the Philippines reports survey showing adult formal financial account ownership rose to 58 percent in first quarter 2026
The Central Bank of the Philippines published survey results showing formal account ownership among Filipino adults rose to 58 percent in Q1 2026 from 48 percent in Q1 2025, exceeding levels in its 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey. E-money accounts drove the increase, while lack of money, unemployment, and limited knowledge remained key barriers, and the findings will inform the central bank’s financial education and communication initiatives, including Paleng-QR Ph Plus.