Thrift Banks Optimistic for 2025

The thrift banking industry is poised for continued growth this year, buoyed by sustained lending activity, strong capitalization and regulatory support, according to the Chamber of Thrift Banks.

- Keisha Ta-asan

CTB president and CARD SME Bank vice chairperson Mary Jane Perreras said during the group's general membership meeting yesterday that she is confident in the thrift banking industry's ability to sustain its momentum in 2025.

"I am very optimistic. I think this growth will continue this year. We now have a zero-percent reserve requirement, so we expect our loan portfolio to grow. We are all looking at this positively," she said.

Last month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas slashed the level of deposits mid-sized or thrift banks are required to keep with the BSP by 100 basis points to zero percent from one percent previously, effective March 28.