The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expects stronger growth in 2026, banking on a recovery in borrowing demand as global and domestic uncertainties ease.

BPI president and chief executive officer Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco said the bank is targeting high single-digit growth in net income and mid-teens loan growth this year, with a particular push on consumer lending.

Hesitancy on borrowings

“We're looking at, hopefully, outperforming last year's results, but I think there are a couple of things that we need to be aware of. There's a bit of hesitancy on the borrowing side, I think, as we try to get past some of the global tensions and some local noise,” Limcaoco told reporters.

“But as far as we're concerned, the demand should come back and my personal belief is this malaise from the top corporates can turn very quickly,” he added.

Limcaoco earlier said BPI aims to expand its loan book by 12 percent to 13percent in 2026, matching its growth target for 2025. The bank ended the first nine months of last year with gross loans up 13.3% year on year to P2.4 trillion.

“When you're going to make a big investment, a big capital expenditure, you want confidence. Things are clear both globally and domestically and my view, domestic, I think it's uncalled for,” Limcaoco said.

“The uncertainty, yes, there are issues. But I don't think it should hamper people from continuing. Now there are certain issues globally that yes, you could be concerned about, but there's nothing we can do about that,” he added.

SIGLA Bonds launched

To support its funding needs, BPI recently launched its P5-billion peso-denominated Supporting Individuals Grow, Lead, and Achieve (SIGLA) Bonds, which carry an interest rate of 5.405 percent per year. The bond offer began on 26 January and will run until 4 February 2026, with a minimum investment of P500,000.

“I expect that to be very good also, so there is cash in the system. The banks will have capacity to lend. We just need the demand, and I think that could come. The sentiment could turn very good, so I'm hopeful for the year,” Limcaoco said.

Separately, BPI chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer Eric Luchangco said last November that the bank may also issue blue bonds — debt instruments intended to finance marine and ocean-based projects — within the first half of 2026.