Asian Banker: Metrobank is PH’s strongest bank for 5th straight year

Insider Spotlight

• Metrobank tops The Asian Banker’s 2025 Strongest Bank ranking
• Fifth straight win reflects robust financial fundamentals
• Bank posts P24.8-billion net income, maintains strong asset quality

Metrobank remains the Philippines’ strongest bank for 2025, marking its fifth consecutive win in The Asian Banker’s annual ranking of the world’s 1,000 largest and strongest banks.

The big picture

The Asian Banker cited Metrobank’s “robust balance sheet, high asset quality, solid capital base, and strong liquidity” as key to its continued dominance. The publication said these fundamentals highlight “sound management and resilience amid changing market conditions.”

Metrobank’s extensive branch and digital network, along with long-standing corporate and institutional partnerships, also contributed to its sustained growth.

“These strengths symbolize Metrobank’s steadfast commitment to balanced expansion, prudent risk management, and operational excellence, securing its recognition as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025,” The Asian Banker said.

Fabian Dee

The Metrobank chief attributes the bank's strength to its relationships with its clients and business partners.

What they’re saying

“This recognition reflects the strength of the relationships we have built with our clients, communities, and partners—relationships that continue to fuel our growth and resilience as a financial institution,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said in a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.

“Complementing this is the unwavering dedication and hard work of Metrobankers to assure that our valued stakeholders remain in good hands. We are deeply honored for this recognition and we commit to continue to deliver meaningful financial services that help Filipinos and the country progress,” he added.

Arthur Ty

The Metrobank chair's conservative approach to banking is paying dividends as the market recognizes the financial giant as one of the country's strongest.

By the numbers

• Metrobank booked a P24.8-billion net income in the first half of 2025
• Non-performing loan (NPL) ratio: 1.5 percent, down from 1.7 percent last year and well below the industry’s 3.5 percent
• NPL cover: 153.9 percent, providing a strong buffer against risks
• Total assets: P3.5 trillion, up 6 percent, making it the second-largest private universal bank
• Capital Adequacy Ratio: 16.3 percent; CET1 ratio: 15.6 percent

The context

The recognition adds to Metrobank’s string of awards this year. The Asian Banker earlier named it the Best Managed Bank in the Philippines, while Dee was recognized as Best CEO in the Philippines. Euromoney and the Philippine Dealing System Group also cited the bank for excellence in corporate banking and capital market performance.

With a network of over 960 branches and P390.7 billion in equity, Metrobank continues to position itself as a resilient pillar in the country’s banking system.  —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma