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Ismael Sandig, President and CEO of Top Bank

Country Builders Bank rebrands as “Top Bank Philippines,” to usher in a new era of service

Country Builders Bank, Inc. has rebranded as Top Bank Philippines, Inc. (A Rural Bank), unveiling a new image and marking the beginning of a new era defined by its commitment to exceptional service.

“Our vision is clear: to be the top-of-mind and trusted banking institution that transforms the lives of our customers by constantly providing easy, personal, and secure banking solutions while adapting to their changing needs through traditional and secure digital platforms,” said Ismael Sandig, President and CEO of Top Bank, in a press statement.

Ismael Sandig, President and CEO of Top Bank (IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismael-sandig)

Sandig shared that the rebranded rural bank, which remains the largest in Metro Manila and nearby areas, is focused on expansion opportunities through mergers, acquisitions, or organic growth to meet diverse community needs.

The bank also aims to leverage the strong foundation of traditional banking and exceptional customer experience through ‘phygital’ (physical-digital) banking.

This ‘phygital’ approach combines the tangible aspects of a traditional lending enterprise with the efficiency and accessibility of digital banking, ensuring stability and convenience for customers.

“Aligned with our strategic direction, we’re simplifying access to financial support for small businesses, including sari-sari stores and retail ventures, making success simple for all customers,” Sandig further stated.

Top Bank to launch new offerings

As part of its system upgrades, Top Bank plans to introduce more offerings such as mobile banking and an expanded ATM network to ensure seamless growth for its customers in the coming years.

“To facilitate the launch of new products like debit cards, we’re acquiring an ATM Switch & Card Management system,” Sandig said.

Positioning itself as a key market player, Top Bank aims to provide positive returns for its shareholders while becoming the employer of choice.

“We invest in our people by developing their skills and abilities, helping them build fulfilling careers,” Sandig emphasized.

Brandcomm

Recently, Top Bank Philippines Inc. received prestigious international awards, including “Fastest Growing Rural Bank” and “Best Rural Bank in the Philippines 2024” by International Business Magazine. It was also named “Microfinance & SME Brand of the Year Philippines 2024” by Global Banking and Finance Review.

Ralph Fajardo

Ralph, the Editor-in-Chief of FintechNewsPH.com, brings over 15 years of writing and editorial experience that make him a strong fit to lead the publication’s mission of delivering credible and compelling fintech stories. Before joining FintechNewsPH.com, he served as editor of Hello Philippines, a UK-based news magazine for the Filipino community abroad, where he covered stories on culture, business, and the global Filipino experience. He also contributed as a writer for The International Filipino, profiling Filipinos making an impact worldwide, and later worked as copy editor for Malaya Business Insight, one of the country’s respected business newspapers, where he refined his eye for accuracy, clarity, and style. Ralph’s editorial journey began at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he was Editor-in-Chief of Kampus Dyornal. There, he developed a keen sense for storytelling that informs and connects — a passion that continues to define his work today. Through the years, Ralph has written across diverse subjects, from finance and technology to culture and communication, consistently weaving insight with narrative depth. His solid newsroom background and commitment to quality journalism position him to guide FintechNewsPH.com in highlighting the stories that shape the country’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.