Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co. completed its acquisition of 30 percent of RCBC Leasing and Finance Corp., gaining a foothold in sectors ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy.
No purchase price was disclosed.
“This investment positions us well for the opportunities ahead and strengthens our capabilities that will drive our business forward,” RCBC Leasing president and CEO Jayson L. Mendoza said in a statement on Thursday.
One group, two RCBC bets
The deal adds another layer to the Japanese group’s deepening relationship with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
SMBC first invested in RCBC in 2021. It raised its stake to 20 percent in 2023 before buying another 4.46 percent in December 2025 for P6.4 billion.
RCBC Leasing became an equity-method affiliate of SMFL after the transaction secured the required permits and regulatory approvals.
Hunting for growth
RCBC Leasing expects the Japanese investment to accelerate its expansion over the next three to five years.
It is targeting manufacturing, construction, information technology, healthcare, logistics and auto leasing, along with opportunities in electric vehicles and solar power.
SMFL plans to combine its sales and management expertise with RCBC’s customer network and the leasing unit’s local team as it expands in the Philippine market.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
