Five years strong: Metrobank retains Strongest Bank title for 2025

In banking, true strength is measured not by one strong year, but by consistency across cycles. 

For Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), that consistency has once again been recognized, as it was named the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 by The Asian Banker. 

This marks the fifth consecutive year the institution has earned the distinction. 

The annual Strongest Bank Rankings by The Asian Banker evaluate the world’s 1,000 largest banks based on balance sheet strength and financial performance. 

Institutions are assessed across six core criteria (ability to scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality, and liquidity) covering 14 detailed performance indicators that reflect long-term resilience rather than short-term gains.

Strength through challenging times

Metrobank’s streak of recognition began in 2020, at the height of the global pandemic, when economic uncertainty put financial institutions worldwide to the test. 

Emerging as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines during that period set the tone for the years that followed. 

Despite ongoing global and domestic challenges, Metrobank has continued to demonstrate prudent risk management, disciplined growth, and operational stability—earning the same recognition for five straight years. 

The bank said the award reflects the strength of its balance sheet and its unwavering commitment to keep all stakeholders in good hands, anchored on trust built over decades of service.

Strong financial fundamentals

Metrobank’s recent financial performance underscores this recognition. 

In the first nine months of 2025, the bank reported record net earnings of P37.3 billion, driven by solid loan growth, improving margin trends, healthy trading income, and well-managed costs. Pre-provision operating profit rose 12.1% year-on-year to P59.2 billion. 

Total consolidated assets grew by 8.9% to P3.6 trillion, reinforcing Metrobank’s position as the second-largest private universal bank in the country. Total equity likewise increased by 7.2% to P407.6 billion, reflecting sustained capital strength. 

Balanced growth and sound risk management

In its award citation, The Asian Banker cited Metrobank’s robust balance sheet growth coupled with strong asset quality, solid capital buffers, and ample liquidity. 

The Bank posted balanced loan expansion, with commercial lending increasing by 18% and consumer lending by 14%. Its non-performing loan ratio improved to 1.4%, well below the industry average, allowing Metrobank to reduce provisions while maintaining the highest provision coverage ratio among ranked Philippine banks. 

Liquidity remained strong, supported by a stable deposit base and coverage ratios far exceeding regulatory requirements, enabling the bank to absorb shocks while continuing to support lending and investments.

A commitment that endures

As Metrobank marks more than six decades in the industry, the Strongest Bank award affirms more than financial metrics: it reflects the confidence of customers, partners, and communities. 

Through economic shifts and market volatility, Metrobank’s steady approach continues to deliver strength that lasts, keeping its customers’ financial future in good hands. 

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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Metrobank.