Philippine bank lending hits 9.2% in December

Loans to non-residents declined faster than the previous month, however.

Philippine bank lending grew 9.2% year-on-year (YoY) in December 2025, slowing from the 10.3% YoY growth in November, according to preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Loans from universal and commercial banks declined 2% month-on-month in December compared to November.

Outstanding loans to residents expanded 9.7% YoY in December, slower than the 10.7% growth in November.

Outstanding loans to non-residents dropped by 8.1% YoY, declining faster than the 4.5% decrease the previous month.

Loans for business activities grew by 8% YoY in December, with more loans handed out for real estate, motor vehicles, wholesale and retail trade, and financial and insurance activities.