MANILA, Philippines — Sy family-led China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) on Thursday sustained its growth momentum through the third quarter, posting a consolidated net income of P20.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 10 percent year-on-year, supported by strong core business performance.
Interest income rose 13 percent on the back of continued expansion in earning assets, which offset a 9 percent increase in interest expenses. Net interest income climbed 15 percent to P53.5 billion, with net interest margin remaining healthy at 4.6 percent.
Fee-based income also increased to P3.1 billion, buoyed by steady growth in trust and bank assurance commissions.
Operating expenses grew by 15 percent to P25.3 billion, largely due to investments in manpower and technology. Despite this, Chinabank said its cost-to-income ratio improved to 45 percent.
To reinforce its balance sheet, the bank increased provisions to P7 billion, resulting in a non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio of 123 percent, higher than the industry average.
Still the fourth largest private universal bank in the country, Chinabank’s total assets expanded 8 percent year-on-year to P1.7 trillion.
Gross loans rose 14 percent to P994 billion amid strong demand from both corporate and consumer segments. The NPL ratio improved to 1.6 percent, reflecting what the bank described as a prudent stance.
Deposits climbed 9 percent to P1.4 trillion, supported by a 12 percent growth in checking and savings accounts, providing a stable funding base.
Total capital stood at P184.4 billion, up 13 percent, with a capital adequacy ratio of 15.8 percent and a common equity tier 1 ratio of 15 percent—both well above regulatory requirements. Book value per share improved to P68.49.
