The Central Bank of the Philippines signalled that it will promote financial health as part of the regional agenda when the Philippines serves as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, as outlined by Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. during a fireside chat at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel on 11 November 2025. During the BIS event with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, BIS General Manager Pablo Hernández de Cos, and International Organization of Securities Commissions and Financial Services and Markets Authority of Belgium Chairman Jean-Paul Servais, Remolona framed financial health as the ability of individuals and families to manage obligations, withstand shocks, pursue goals, seize opportunities, and feel satisfied and confident about their financial lives. He argued that ASEAN can strengthen financial health by expanding access to financial markets including stocks, bonds, and insurance, and he also met bilaterally with Queen Máxima to discuss possible regional initiatives the Philippines could pursue as ASEAN Chair in 2026.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-12-02
Central Bank of the Philippines to promote financial health as a priority for ASEAN chairmanship in 2026
The Central Bank of the Philippines, under Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., plans to prioritize financial health during the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. At a BIS event, Remolona emphasized enhancing financial health through improved access to financial markets and discussed potential regional initiatives with Queen Máxima.