The landmark deal—also Asialink’s maiden foreign loan—signals global investor confidence in the company’s ability to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid the persistent credit gap.
“MSME lending continues to fall short of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas target, showing there’s still much work to be done to make financing truly inclusive,” Robert B. Jordan Jr., CEO of Asialink Group of Companies, said in a press release on Oct. 22, 2025.
“This partnership with Standard Chartered enables us to play a bigger role in bridging that gap—using global capital to support Filipino entrepreneurs who drive local economies.”
Why it matters
MSMEs account for more than 99 percent of Philippine businesses but remain underserved by traditional banks.
The new loan will expand Asialink’s lending capacity, with its portfolio expected to grow from P41.9 billion in June 2025 to P48.7 billion by yearend—fueling loans to small business owners and women-led enterprises nationwide.
The big picture
The syndicated facility was arranged by Standard Chartered alongside Bank of China, Taichung Commercial Bank, Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Hua Nan Commercial Bank, and First Commercial Bank, distributing the financing across regional and international lenders.
“Standard Chartered is proud to support Asialink Group in this landmark social syndicated loan,” said Mike Samson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Philippines.
“We see a partner in Asialink Group with a proven track record in reaching underserved MSMEs across the Philippines.”
What’s next
With this fresh capital, Asialink Finance Corporation—its flagship arm—plans to scale programs like the Women’s Access to Inclusive Support (WAIS) initiative, which has already financed over 1,000 women-led MSMEs this year.
“With global partners who believe in our mission, we’re even more confident in expanding our reach and empowering more MSMEs to grow, thrive, and uplift their communities,” said Samuel “Sam” Carino, president and CEO of Asialink Finance Corp. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
