Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has once again been recognized as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 by The Asian Banker (TAB), reaffirming its industry leadership for the fifth consecutive year. The annual ranking evaluates the world’s 1,000 largest and strongest banks based on their financial performance for the 2025 fiscal year.
According to The Asian Banker, Metrobank deserved the award because of its “robust balance sheet, high asset quality, solid capital base, and strong liquidity, hallmarks of sound management and resilience amid changing market conditions.”
The publication also cited Metrobank’s “extensive branch and digital network, and enduring corporate and institutional partnerships to sustain its growth momentum” as major factors in its strength.
“These strengths symbolize Metrobank’s steadfast commitment to balanced expansion, prudent risk management, and operational excellence, securing its recognition as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025,” the Asian Banker said.
“This recognition reflects the strength of the relationships we have built with our clients, communities, and partners– relationships that continue to fuel our growth and resilience as a financial institution,” said Metrobank President Fabian Dee.
” Complementing this is the unwavering dedication and hard work of Metrobankers to assure that our valued stakeholders remain in good hands. We are deeply honored for this recognition and we commit to continue to deliver meaningful financial services that help Filipinos and the country progress,” he added.
The Strongest Bank Rankings by TAB is an annual assessment of financial institutions and their business performance in the banking industry. Assessments for a bank’s performance are based on a detailed scorecard established by six criteria of balance sheet performance; namely the ability to scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality and liquidity, covered by 14 specific factors.
Metrobank booked a net income of PHP 24.8 billion in the first half of the year. Its asset quality improved with non-performing loans ratio easing back to 1.5% of total loans from 1.7% in the same period last year, which is still much lower than the industry’s reported 3.5% NPL ratio as of May 2025. The Bank’s NPL cover remained high at 153.9%, giving it a strong buffer against any emerging risks. Total consolidated assets expanded by 6.0% to PHP3.5 trillion, allowing the Bank to maintain its position as the second largest bank in asset terms among the private universal banks. Total equity stood at PHP 390.7 billion. Metrobank’s balance sheet remains strong with Capital Adequacy Ratio at 16.3% and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 15.6%, all well above the minimum regulatory requirements.
Earlier this year, Metrobank’s solid performance has been recognized by the Asian Banker, naming it as the Best Managed Bank in the Philippines and recognizing its President Fabian Dee as the Best CEO in the Philippines. Metrobank was also awarded by Euromoney as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Large Corporates and the Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility. It was also recognized by the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Group for its strong performance and contribution to the Philippine capital markets in 2024, winning the Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House for the 10th year. Metrobank was also named as the Top Corporate Securities Market Maker and the Top Fixed-Income Dealing Participant, among others.
