Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) kept its earnings steady in the first half of 2026, supported by sustained loan expansion, stable margins and stronger fee-based revenues despite a challenging operating environment for the banking sector.

The bank reported a net income of P24.9 billion for the January-to-June period, as its core businesses continued to provide support amid economic uncertainties and market volatility.

Focused on maintaining disciplined growth

Metrobank president Fabian Dee said the bank remained focused on maintaining disciplined growth while managing risks.

“The operating environment remained challenging in the first half, requiring us to stay disciplined and focused. Our results reflect the strength of Metrobank’s core businesses, the continued trust of our clients, and our prudent approach to balancing growth and risk. We will continue to support our clients while pursuing sustainable growth in an uncertain environment,” Dee said.

The bank’s net interest income rose 12.8 percent to P67.7 billion, with net interest margin remaining stable at 3.7 percent. Gross loans expanded by 12.4 percent year-on-year, driven by continued demand from corporate, commercial and consumer borrowers.

Corporate and commercial lending increased 12.8 percent, as businesses sought financing for investments and working capital requirements. Consumer loans also grew 11.1 percent, supported by higher credit card and mortgage lending.

Strengthened deposit base

Metrobank’s deposit base strengthened during the period, with total deposits increasing 10.4 percent to P2.6 trillion. Low-cost current and savings accounts grew 6.4 percent and accounted for 60.5 percent of total deposits, providing the bank with stable funding sources.

The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 81.1 percent, leaving sufficient room to continue expanding its lending activities.

Meanwhile, fee and trust income climbed 9.3 percent to P10 billion, helping cushion the impact of weaker trading income caused by volatile financial markets.

Operating expenses increased 10.1 percent to P42.4 billion, mainly due to higher transaction-related taxes and investments in technology and digital banking capabilities. Metrobank’s cost-to-income ratio settled at 52.4 percent.

Despite maintaining asset quality, the bank increased provisions by 26.8 percent to strengthen its protection against potential risks from softer economic conditions.

Metrobank’s non-performing loan ratio remained at 1.8 percent, below the industry average of 3.4 percent, while its NPL coverage ratio stood at 133.3 percent.

Restructured loans remained low at 0.3 percent of total loans, compared with the industry level of 2 percent.

Consolidated assets growth

Metrobank’s consolidated assets grew 12.7 percent to P3.9 trillion, making it the second-largest private universal bank in terms of assets. Equity also increased 4.9 percent to P409.7 billion.

The bank maintained strong capitalization, with its capital adequacy ratio at 14.9 percent and common equity Tier 1 ratio at 14.2 percent, both above regulatory requirements. Its liquidity coverage ratio remained healthy at 150.1 percent.