BDO Unibank has been instrumental in transforming Suyen Corporation, the parent company of lifestyle brand BENCH/, from a single T-shirt store into a global retailer with more than 1,500 locations worldwide.
The nearly four-decade partnership illustrates how banks can drive the growth of homegrown companies.
“From the very start, we recognized that partnering with a trusted bank was fundamental to the success of our business,” said Virgilio Lim of Suyen Corporation. “What began as a purely depository relationship with BDO has evolved into a comprehensive partnership, from credit lines and co-branded products to capital loans, that continues to support our growth today.”
Since 1987, BDO has provided Suyen with financial tools critical for expansion, including working capital for construction projects, credit facilities, and automated systems that streamline payments to suppliers and landlords.
BDO’s Cash Management Services cover payroll solutions, deposit pick-ups, and point-of-sale (POS) integration across all BENCH/ stores nationwide, ensuring operational efficiency at scale.
“BDO has been a reliable partner in various aspects of our operations,” said Bryan Lim of Suyen Corporation. “They have supported construction projects, provided capital for expansion, and facilitated systems like our automatic credit arrangement that help us work more efficiently with suppliers and landlords.”
Suyen’s growth is also seen in Bench Tower, a 24-story headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, built to meet green building and LEED Platinum standards.
“Helping Filipino brands like Bench scale responsibly means more than business success. Bench Tower reflects a long-term vision that goes beyond retail, and we at BDO remain committed to support Suyen as it showcases the best of the Philippines to the world, generates livelihood, and fosters innovation,” said Charles Rodriguez, BDO Unibank’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group.
Suyen supports over 9,000 jobs, works with more than 700 local suppliers, and promotes Filipino heritage through initiatives like Ternocon, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
