Security Bank reports 24% growth in pre-provision operating profit in Q1-2026

Revenues reach PHP 17 billion, up 10% year-on-year; net profit at PHP 2.7 billion.

Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) delivered strong core operating performance in the first quarter of 2026, with pre-provision operating profit rising 24% year-on-year to PHP7.5 billion, supported by disciplined cost management. Total revenues reached PHP17.0 billion, up 10% year-on-year. Net income was PHP2.7 billion, up 6% quarter-on-quarter, despite higher provisions amid evolving operating conditions.

Net interest income grew to PHP15.2 billion and total non-interest income was PHP1.9 billion. Operating expenses were well-managed, increasing 2% year-on-year and decreasing 13% quarter-on-quarter, resulting in an improved cost-to-income ratio of 56% from 61% a year ago.

How Filipinos Are Using Buy Now, Pay Later: Billease Leads the Charge

BNPL Growth in the Philippines

The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market in the Philippines is booming. According to Statista, the country’s BNPL transaction value is projected to reach ₱45 billion by 2026, growing at an annual rate of over 20%. This surge reflects how Filipinos are embracing flexible financing to manage everyday expenses and big-ticket purchases.

At the forefront of this movement is Billease, one of the fastest-growing BNPL platforms in Southeast Asia. Since its launch in 2017, Billease has served over 1.5 million users and partnered with more than 20,000 merchants nationwide, including Lazada, Agoda, Kimstore, and Anson’s.

Security Bank and MUFG mark a decade connecting Philippine growth to global capital

Strategic alliance expands access to capital, deepens regional integration, and advances sustainable finance

Security Bank Corporation and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) are marking a decade of strategic partnership that has helped connect Philippine clients to global capital, deepen regional connectivity, and support sustainable growth.

The partnership reflects Security Bank’s commitment to BetterBanking—delivering simpler, faster, and more connected banking experiences for clients operating across markets.

The milestone comes as the Philippines assumes the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, underscoring the growing role of financial institutions in linking global capital to regional opportunity and supporting cross-border growth.

EastWest Brings Back Donny Pangilinan, Doubles Down on the Next Generation

EastWest Chief Marketing and Cash Management Officer Martin Reyes with EastWest Brand Ambassador Donny Pangilinan

He’s back! East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has renewed its partnership with actor and digital personality Donny Pangilinan, officially extending his role as brand ambassador for another year. Together, they’re on a mission to make banking something younger Filipinos actually want to talk about: the EastWest app, new products and services, real conversations in communities, and a shared conviction that banking should just be easier.

“Donny doesn’t just reach young Filipinos, he connects with them” said Martin Reyes, EastWest Chief Marketing and Cash Management Officer. “We want this generation to see EastWest as their bank, the one that understands what they need, whether it’s a better app experience, products that make sense for their lives, or just banking that doesn’t feel like a chore. Donny tells that story better than anyone.”

In line with our evolving brand identity, the company, formerly known as Insular Life, is now officially referred to as InLife.

Embodying Excellence: InLife recognizes its outstanding employees

For raising the standard of their work, service, and leadership, InLife honored its employees during the inaugural InLife Excellence Awards.  

InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas thanked the employee awardees for helping build the next chapter of InLife’s 115-year legacy of trust and service. 

“For 115 years, InLife has stood beside Filipino families through wars, crises, rebuilding, growth, and transformation. We endured because, in every generation, there were InLife employees who chose to do their work well, protected our integrity, and served our policyholders with sincerity,” she said.  

Sun Life shifts head office to geothermal power, strengthening sustainability efforts

Sun Life Philippines has taken a significant step towards more sustainable operations with the transition of Sun Life Centre, its head office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, to geothermal power. The building is now powered by 100% renewable energy, through a collaboration with First Gen, one of the country's leading clean energy providers.

The transition reinforces the company's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and operating responsibly in the face of growing climate challenges. By shifting to cleaner energy sources with significantly lower emissions, Sun Life strengthens its approach to long‑term sustainability while supporting a more climate‑resilient future.

"This milestone demonstrates that sustainability isn't just part of our corporate values, but embedded in how we operate," said Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines. "Our commitment to renewable energy reflects our belief that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to environmental solutions."

Why Southeast Asia’s Next Payment Shift Is About Experience, Not Just Adoption

As digital commerce becomes more embedded in everyday life, businesses are paying closer attention to what keeps customers coming back. Across Southeast Asia, this is becoming a more urgent business priority. The region’s digital economy crossed US$300 billion in gross merchandise value in 2025, showing how quickly online and digitally enabled commerce have become part of daily transactions.

As that growth continues, the payment experience is no longer just back-end infrastructure. It is increasingly part of how businesses build trust, reduce friction, and encourage repeat purchases. The next phase of payment innovation will not only be about giving customers more ways to pay. It will be about making every payment moment feel fast, familiar, and secure enough for customers to return.