PH bank lending accelerates to 11.4% in April on business demand

Consumer loans continued to show growth but moderated from March levels.

Philippine bank lending rose 11.4% year-on-year (YoY) in April, faster than in March, with business loan demand growing whilst consumer loans slightly slowed as credit card use and motor vehicle loans moderated.

Loans for business activities grew 10.7% in April, faster than the 9.7% growth in March. Lending for real estate activities rose, as well as for electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Consumer loans to residents rose by 19.6%, but slower than the 20.5% in the previous month. This reflects a moderation in credit card and motor vehicle loans, the BSP said.

The Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) earlier said that the financial system is resilient even amidst ongoing risks related to war, corporate debt, and household debt.

On corporate debt, the FSCC flagged sectors that are sensitive to energy and interest rate movements. Higher energy costs and tighter financing conditions could make it harder for businesses to pay back loans, the council warned in May 2026.