Insider Spotlight
A member of the SM Group, Chinabank posted a return on equity of 15.6 percent and return on assets of 1.6 percent, reflecting sustained profitability as its core banking operations expanded.
Net interest income grew 14 percent to P60.7 billion, supported by an improved net interest margin of 4.73 percent.
Operating expenses increased 13 percent to P28.6 billion as the bank invested in digital transformation and business expansion initiatives. Its cost-to-income ratio stood at 49 percent.
Chinabank maintained a non-performing loan ratio of 1.5 percent and coverage of 102 percent, while setting aside P1.9 billion for impairment and credit losses.
Increase in net loans
The bank's total assets expanded 12 percent year-on-year to P1.9 trillion as of September 2026, supported by a 19 percent increase in net loans to P1.2 trillion.
Total deposits rose 9 percent to P1.5 trillion, while low-cost checking and savings accounts grew 19 percent to P751 billion.
These deposits accounted for 49 percent of the bank's funding base, providing support for continued lending expansion.
Growth in deposit base
Chinabank's earnings growth reflects its ability to expand lending and interest income while maintaining stable asset quality and managing higher operating costs.
The bank's growing deposit base also provides a source of funding as it continues investing in technology and expanding its banking operations.
Buffers for future growth
Total equity increased 6 percent to P195 billion, lifting book value per share by 6 percent to P72.52.
Chinabank maintained a common equity tier 1 ratio of 14.65 percent and a capital adequacy ratio of 15.53 percent, providing buffers for future growth. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
