China Banking Corp. reported a strong start to 2025, posting a 10% year-on-year increase in net income for the first quarter to P6.5 billion on the back of an expanding lending portfolio and ongoing investments in digital infrastructure.
The lender’s profitability remained robust, with return on equity (ROE) at 15.1% and return on assets (ROA) at 1.6%, positioning it as one of the top-performing banks in the country.
Chinabank president and CEO Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said, ““Our first quarter results reflect the fruits of the concerted efforts across all our different businesses to drive organic growth and support our customers.”
Net interest income surged by 14% to P17.1 billion, as higher loan volumes and improved yields offset rising interest expenses. The bank’s net interest margin remained stable at 4.5%.
Revenues grew by 8% to P16.3 billion, but operating expenses climbed 17% to P8.4 billion, reflecting the bank’s push to scale up its digital services and internal infrastructure.
Chinabank’s loan book expanded by 19% to P954 billion, driven by strong demand from both corporate and retail customers. Its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained low at 1.5%, well below the industry average.
Provisions for loan losses were reduced by 6% to P285 million, with NPL coverage standing at 112%, based on updated guidelines from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Without the adjustments to retained earnings, coverage would have been 143%.
The bank’s deposits rose 8% to P1.3 trillion, supported by growth in checking and savings accounts (CASA) and time deposits.
Chinabank’s digital strategy, including the launch of the upgraded mobile app My CBC, played a key role in its performance. Chief financial officer Patrick D. Cheng said, “We expect to provide better service, expand our customer base, and deepen client relationships with the launch earlier this year of our enhanced mobile app, My CBC, and other digital initiatives in the pipeline.”
Total assets increased 10% to P1.7 trillion, while equity grew 13% to P175 billion, boosting book value per share to P65.01.
Founded in 1920, Chinabank now operates 651 branches and 1,087 ATMs across the Philippines, including those under its thrift banking subsidiary, China Bank Savings. It also provides a full range of financial services through its investment, insurance, and securities arms.
