China Banking Corp. on Thursday reported a net income of P13 billion in the first six months of 2025, a 14-percent increase from the same period last year, led by strong core business growth.
The record profit translated into a 15.2 percent return on equity and a 1.6 percent return on assets, among the highest in the industry.
Total revenues for the bank surged 34 percent year-on-year to P38.9 billion. This was primarily due to a 15-percent rise in net interest income to P34.9 billion, attributed to higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 13 basis points to 4.57 percent.
“We continue to deliver strong operating results in the first semester while supporting the needs of our customers and contributing to the growth of our economy,” Chinabank president and chief executive Romeo Uyan Jr. said in a statement.
Credit extended to consumer and corporate segments rose 18 percent, pushing Chinabank’s gross loans to P964.7 billion amid accelerating economic activities and increasing consumer confidence.
Despite a lower non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 1.6 percent, well below the industry average of 3.5 percent, the bank proactively set aside higher credit provisions of P6.5 billion, resulting in an NPL coverage of 125 percent, higher than the industry average of 95 percent.
Loan growth was funded by deposits, which increased 5 percent to P1.3 trillion, underpinned by a 10-percent growth in checking and savings accounts.
“We are sustaining our growth momentum as we execute our strategy and focus on delivering quality service and value to our clients and stakeholders,” Uyan said.
Operating expenses reached P16.6 billion in the six-month period, driven by higher technology, manpower, and business volume-related costs. With revenue growth outpacing rising expenditures, Chinabank recorded a cost-to-income ratio of 43 percent.
Total consolidated assets reached P1.7 trillion, up 8 percent from the same period last year. Total equity grew 15 percent to P174 billion.
The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 15.62 percent, above the minimum regulatory requirement. Book value per share increased 15 percent to P64.65.
“Our robust performance was driven by our commitment to addressing client needs while effectively managing risks and promoting efficiencies. We have ensured that our balance sheet remains strong,” said Chinabank chief finance officer Patrick Cheng.
“Additionally, the recent accolades we received recognize Chinabank’s customer focus and banking excellence,” said Cheng.
Chinabank, which celebrates its 105th year on Aug. 16, 2025, was recently recognized by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum as an ASEAN Asset Class.
