Lists of Banks in the Philippines

Here are lists of banks in the Philippines:

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What Are Universal Banks in the Philippines?

Universal banks do commercial banking and investment banking. They’re authorized to do more than what commercial banks are allowed to do. They’re authorized to perform the functions of investment houses and to invest in equities of non-allied enterprises. Commercial banks are only allowed to invest in equities of allied businesses.

Among all types of financial institutions in the country, they offer the widest scope of banking services.

The required minimum capitalization for a universal bank is 3 billion. That’s for a universal bank with head office only. It can have one to 10 branches if it has at least 6 billion in capital. More than 100 branches means a minimum capitalization of 20 billion.

What Are Commercial Banks?

Commercial banks do the following:
– accept demand deposits and other types of deposits
– accept drafts
– issue letters of credit
– discount and negotiate promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, other proofs of debt
– buy and sell foreign exchange, gold or silver bullion
– extend credit
– acquire marketable bonds and other debt securities
– invest in the equities of allied businesses
– purchase, hold and convey real estate
– receive funds, documents and valuable objects in custody
– act as agent in buying and selling shares and securities
– collect and pay in behalf of their customers
– act as managing agent, adviser, consultant or administrator of investment management/advisory/consultancy accounts
– rent out safety deposit boxes

The minimum capitalization for a commercial bank is 2 billion. The minimum capital to have one to 10 branches is 4 billion. More than 100 branches requires a minimum capital of 15 billion.

What Are Thrift Banks or Savings Banks?

Thrift banks are also called savings and mortgage banks, private development banks, stock savings and loan associations and microfinance thrift banks.

They collect savings from depositors and invest them.

Their customers are individuals, small businesses, and medium enterprises.
They provide short-term or long-term loans to businesses engaged in services, industry, agriculture, housing and diversified financial services.

The minimum capitalization for a thrift bank in the NCR is 500 million. Having one to ten branches requires a minimum capital of 750 million.
For a thrift bank outside the NCR, the minimum is 200 million. Having one to ten branches requires a minimum capital of 300 million.

What Are Rural Banks?

Rural banks are focused on serving rural communities. They provide basic banking services to farmers, fishermen, merchants, private and public employees and cooperatives. They extend loans and accept savings and time deposits.

They can also act as collection agent (like accepting SSS contributions and loan payments) and buy and sell foreign exchange.

What Are Cooperative Banks?

Cooperative banks have the same purposes as rural banks. They’re different from rural banks only in how they are owned. While rural banks are owned privately by individuals or entities, cooperative banks are organized and owned by cooperatives.

The minimum capitalization for a rural or cooperative bank in the NCR is 50 million. One to ten branches require a minimum capital of 75 million.
For a rural or cooperative bank outside the NCR and in a city or in a 1st to 3rd class municipality, the minimum is 20 million. One to ten branches require a minimum capital of 30 million.
If located in a 4th to 6th class municipality, the minimum is 10 million. One to ten branches require a minimum capital of 15 million.

Reference for definitions: Part One of the Manual of Regulations for Banks, December 2018, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Reference for minimum capitalization: Circular No. 854, Series of 2014, Minimum Capitalization of Banks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

What are Digital Banks?

Digital Banks are banks that are licensed as digital banks under the BSP’s Digital Bank framework. They provide all banking services through digital means, meaning these banks interact with customers through online only. All banking activities are performed and completed online.

The 6 digital banks are:

  • GoTyme Bank Corp.
    • office on Topaz Rd corner Ruby Rd at Ortigas Center in Pasig
  • Maya Bank Inc.
    • office on Reliance St corner Sheridan St in Mandaluyong City
  • Overseas Filipino Bank Inc., A Digital Bank of Landbank
    • office at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila
  • Tonik Digital Bank Inc.
    • office on Meralco Ave in Pasig City
  • Union Digital Bank
    • office in San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna
  • UNObank Inc.
    • office at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City

In addition to the above Lists of Banks in the Philippines, you can also see here on this website Lists of Top Banks and Lists of Closed Banks.

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