Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has again been named “The Strongest Bank in the Philippines” by The Asian Banker, a leading provider of strategic intelligence and builder of platforms in the financial services industry since 1996.
Metrobank has been conferred the award for the second consecutive year now.
In its citation for choosing Metrobank as the Philippines’ Strongest Bank by Balance Sheet for 2022, The Asian Banker said, “The bank continued to outperform its peers in the country in terms of capitalization and liquidity. Its Tier 1 capital ratio, as well as its total capital adequacy ratio and liquid assets to total deposits and borrowings ratio, remained high.”
“Moreover, the bank grew its low-cost CASA deposits, reflecting its solid deposit franchise. Meanwhile, with its prudent management of credit risk, the bank demonstrated stronger asset quality than its peer banks in the country,” the citation further stated.
Living up to a promise: “You’re in Good Hands”
Metrobank President Fabian Dee attributed the award to the bank’s 14,000-strong Metrobankers.
“Since our beginnings 60 years ago, the goal has always been to live up to our promise, to keep our clients in good hands, while delivering consistent results for our shareholders. We could not have done this without the support of our employees. We, therefore, dedicate this award to them,” he said.
This highly sought award from The Asian Banker is given to financial institutions that have exhibited strength based on their financial performance, which covers their ability to scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality and liquidity.
“Because of the solid commitment of our Metrobankers, our bank delivered a strong performance in the last two years. That is why we are very thankful to receive this timely recognition from The Asian Banker for our efforts to remain strong and to continue to be a reliable partner for all our stakeholders. We are now even better capable of withstanding growing global concerns on inflation, rising rates, and the possibility of a recession,” concluded Dee.
As of the end of September this year, Metrobank remains to be the country’s second-largest private universal bank. Capital ratios are among the highest in the industry, with a total CAR at 17.2% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 16.3%.
Its consolidated assets stood at PHP2.7 trillion, making it one of the strongest and most well-capitalized banks in the country.
Apart from this back-to-back win, Metrobank also takes pride in receiving multiple accolades from different global experts: “The Best Bank in the Philippines” by Euromoney, “Best Corporate Bank” and “Best Domestic Private Bank” by Asiamoney, “Most Helpful Bank During Covid-19 in the Philippines” by The Asian Banker, and the highest ranked bank to “Grow Your Career in the Philippines” by LinkedIn.