BPI sees consumer loan growth easing in 2026 as economy cools

BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (BPI) expects its consumer lending expansion to slow next year as weaker economic conditions and geopolitical risks temper demand, a senior official said.

- Aaron Michael C. Sy

“We would have wanted to grow much more,” BPI Consumer Banking head Maria Cristina Go told reporters on Friday. “But we all were caught by surprise by the recent GDP (gross domestic product) growth, that’s why we have to be very cautious but remain optimistic.”

The economy grew 4% in the third quarter, the slowest in more than four years and well below the previous quarter’s 5.5%. Growth averaged 5% in the first nine months, putting the government’s 5.5% to 6.5% full-year target out of reach.