Philippine banks’ outstanding loans expand by 11.2% in August

Loans to non-residents narrowed its decline during the month.

Outstanding loans of Philippine universal and commercial banks expanded in August, according to preliminary data released by the central bank on 2 October 2025.

Overall loans from universal and commercial banks expanded 11.2% year-on-year in August, slower than the 11.8% growth in July.

Loans to residents grew by 11.6% during the same month, extending the 12.4% growth in July.

Loans to non-residents narrowed its decline to 5.9%, from an 8.1% decrease a month earlier.

Loans meant to fund business activities expanded by 9.9% in August from a 10.8% growth in July.

Lending increased related to real estate activities (11%); electricity, gas, stream, and air-conditioning supply (28.1%), wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (8.1%).

Lending meant for financial and insurance activities (6.9%) and information and communication (7.5%) also saw growth in August.