Philippine bank lending up 10.3% in October

But loans to non-citizens saw a faster rate of decline during the month.

Philippine banks’ lending rose 10.3% year-on-year (YoY) in October 2025, extending the 10.5% YoY rise in September, according to central bank data.

Growth of outstanding loans to residents was steady at 10.9% during the month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

Outstanding loans to non-citizens widened its decline by 11.1% YoY, from a 2.9% decline in September.

Loans to fund business activities grew by 9.1% in October.

Lending increased for the following key industries: real estate (9.9%); electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply (24.8%); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (11.7%); financial and insurance (8.5%); information and communication (8.2%); and transportation and storage (13%), the BSP said.

Consumer loans to residents— including credit cards, motor vehicles, and general purpose salary loans— rose 23.1% YoY in October, from a 23.5% YoY growth in September.