WINNING | Citi deepens grip on PH institutional banking

Insider Spotlight

• Citi Philippines expands dominance across institutional clients
• Handles some $8B in daily settlement flows locally
• Raised over $70B for Philippine issuers since 2020
• Recognized with three Triple A sustainable finance awards
  
  

Citi Philippines is strengthening its position as a critical financial backbone for the country’s largest corporations and institutions, leveraging scale, cross-border capabilities, and deep capital markets access to drive growth in a rapidly evolving economy.

Why it matters

The bank’s footprint spans 95 percent of the top 20 listed companies by market capitalization, while serving more than 600 multinational clients across sectors like tech, industrials, and healthcare—making it one of the most embedded financial partners in the Philippines.

The big picture 

Citi Philippines’ operating strength and integrated “One Citi” model recently earned it three major recognitions at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2026, including Best Corporate and Institutional Adviser – International, Best Commercial Bank, and Best Sustainability Bond (for the Republic of the Philippines’ $1-billion/€1-billion sustainability bond).

By the numbers

• About $8 billion in daily settlements for about 50 financial institutions
• Over $70 billion raised for Philippine issuers since 2020
• 30 years as sole settlement bank for the domestic dollar transfer system

What they’re saying:

“We are proud and honored to receive three industry awards from The Asset—altogether a recognition of the great work across our interconnected businesses in the Philippines. Through a ‘One Citi’ approach, our Banking, Services, and Markets teams deliver on some of the most consequential transactions, guiding our clients through an ever-changing landscape,” said Paul Favila, Citi Philippines CEO and banking head.

Zoom in 

Citi’s role in sovereign and corporate fundraising underscores its importance not just as a lender, but as a strategic adviser connecting Philippine issuers to global liquidity pools—especially as sustainability-linked financing gains traction.

“These awards reflect the collective efforts of our teams across the Philippine franchise in supporting our clients through service excellence, collaboration, and steady execution. This is an incredible affirmation of our capabilities and the progress we continue to make,” said Manish Bajaj, Citi Philippines head of corporate banking.

Bottom line

Citi Philippines is cementing its role as a gateway between local institutions and global capital—positioning itself at the center of the country’s financial ecosystem. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma