BPI targets stronger 2026 growth as demand seen to rebound

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is expecting a "fairly decent year" as it targets to post stronger growth than in 2025, with the bank optimistic about a rebound in borrowing demand as global and local uncertainties ease.

According to BPI president and chief executive officer Jose Teodoro "TG" Limcaoco, the bank is looking to reach high single-digit growth in its net income, and mid-teens in its loans in 2026, with a push on consumer loans.

"We're looking at, hopefully, outperforming last year's results, but I think there are a couple of things that we need to be aware of. There's a bit of hesitancy on the borrowing side, I think, as we try to get past some of the global tensions and some local noise," he told reporters in an interview.

"But as far as we're concerned, the demand should come back and my personal belief is this malaise from the top corporates can turn very quickly," he added.

Limcaoco earlier said the bank is looking to grow its loan book by 12% to 13% this year, the same target it set for 2025. BPI ended the first nine months of the past year with gross loans up 13.3% to P2.4 trillion.

"When you're going to make a big investment, a big capital expenditure, you want confidence. Things are clear both globally and domestically and my view, domestic, I think it's uncalled for," he said.

"The uncertainty, yes, there are issues. But I don't think it should hamper people from continuing. Now there are certain issues globally that yes, you could be concerned about, but there's nothing we can do about that," he added.

BPI started the offer for its P5-billion peso-denominated Supporting Individuals Grow, Lead, and Achieve or SIGLA Bonds, priced at 5.405% a year, on Monday, January 26, and will run until February 4, 2026. The offer will have a minimum principal investment amount of P500,000 and in increments of P100,000.

"I expect that to be very good also, so there is cash in the system. The banks will have capacity to lend. We just need the demand, and I think that could come. The sentiment could turn very good, so I'm hopeful for the year," Limcaoco said.

BPI chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer Eric Luchangco last November said the bank could also offer blue bonds or issuances designed to finance marine and ocean-based projects in the first half of 2026. — VDV, GMA Integrated News