As a universal bank that has been around for six decades, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has already built a solid reputation in the Philippine banking industry.
Thus, it came as no surprise that the banking giant was recently recognized for its “exceptional service” to corporate clients during the recently concluded “2022 Asiamoney Best Bank Awards.”
The award was in recognition of Metrobank’s continuing support to both corporate and mid-market businesses in spite of the pandemic.
“It is Metrobank’s keen focus on serving corporate clients that wins it this Asiamoney award. Even as the economy cratered, the team, led by president Fabian Dee, boosted lending at a healthy clip — to both corporate and middle-market clients,” Asiamoney said.
The Ty family-led lender— the second-biggest banking institution in the country — is considered a leader in the corporate banking sector.
As the company’s “core thrust,” which was highlighted during the celebration of its 60th anniversary this year, Metrobank remains focused on helping businesses grow, regardless if there is a pandemic or not.
“The pandemic has brought challenging times for the banking and finance industry. This award shows that Metrobank has the right vision and strategy in servicing our clients’ needs amidst difficult market conditions. We are grateful for this recognition from Asiamoney,” said Mary Mylene Caparas, executive vice president and head of Metrobank’s institutional banking sector, in a press statement.
“When Metrobank was founded 60 years ago, it was for the purpose of bringing progress to the country by helping businesses grow. Today, this continues to be the bank’s core thrust — to be the foremost growth partner for our corporate clients,” she added.
Aside from this latest accolade, Metrobank was also named the “Best Bank in the Philippines” at the 2022 Euromoney Excellence Awards, the “Strongest Bank in the Philippines” by The Asian Banker in 2021, and “Best Domestic Bank” at the 2021 Asiamoney Best Bank Awards.
Standing ready to support clients
In the first quarter of this year, Metrobank was able to post a net income of P8.0 billion. The bank’s solid performance is attributed to stable net interest income supported by a swift recovery in loans, a modest rise in non-interest income, and marginal cost growth. Its asset quality also remains healthy, prompting a further decline in provisions.
These positive drivers have since improved the bank’s average return on equity (ROE) to 10%.
“We are encouraged by the sustained pick-up in economic activities as Metrobank stands ready to support our clients in their funding plans and investment needs,” said Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee in a press release.
“The strategies that we have put in place should enable the bank to achieve sustainable growth along with the expanding domestic economy,” he added.