November 2, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Asialink Group of Companies has secured a $75-million offshore syndicated loan facility led by Standard Chartered Bank, a move that is expected to accelerate its planned initial public offering (IPO) to 2027 from its previous 2028 target.
The fresh funding, participated in by Bank of China (Hong Kong and Malaysia), First Commercial Bank, Woori Bank and Taichung Commercial Bank, will strengthen Asialink’s balance sheet and expand its lending capacity, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
“This partnership allows us to scale our mission, strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing our capacity to serve,” Asialink Group CEO Robert Jordan Jr. said during the loan signing ceremony.
Jordan said the collaboration with Standard Chartered “goes beyond capital,” as it connects Asialink to global best practices and sustainability principles aligned with its long-term growth strategy.
“Our mission remains clear — to empower Filipinos through sensible, responsible and inclusive financing,” Jordan said. “This milestone inspires us to continue building a stronger, more inclusive financial future for the nation.”
The loan facility, which directs at least 70 percent of proceeds to MSME lending, will allow Asialink to reach underserved markets outside Metro Manila and promote job creation, female entrepreneurship and community development.
On behalf of Standard Chartered, Ana Alba, head of Banks and Broker Dealers, said the transaction reflects the bank’s “shared confidence and commitment” to inclusive finance.
“This facility supports the growth of small businesses and female entrepreneurs, fostering job creation and economic development,” Alba said. “We are honored to support Asialink’s continued growth and look forward to a deeper and more dynamic partnership.”
The facility is also expected to help Asialink expand the footprint of its subsidiaries, Global Dominion Financing Inc. and South Asialink Finance Corp., which currently operate 524 branches nationwide.
Asialink said its planned IPO could be advanced to 2027, as the group remains well within its debt limits and expects to reach P3.5 billion in debt equity by that year.
“The IPO in 2027 is on the table,” Jordan confirmed during a media briefing, adding that partial equity-raising initiatives prior to the listing could help achieve this milestone sooner.
The group earlier indicated plans for a 2028 listing but cited stronger capital inflows and improved credit ratios as reasons for moving the timeline forward.
Asialink also said it remains on track to meet its income targets for 2025, backed by steady loan growth and prudent risk management.
As of June, the company reported P41.9 billion in outstanding loans, P7.6 billion in consolidated revenues and a return on equity of 17 percent, with a non-performing loan ratio of less than two percent.
Over 57 percent of its loan portfolio is directed toward MSMEs, while 43 percent serves personal borrowers, mainly small entrepreneurs.
Founded two decades ago, Asialink has grown into one of the largest non-bank financial institutions in the country. Its long-term vision, Jordan said, is to be “at the forefront of inclusive financing in Asia by 2030.”
With the latest funding boost and its solid financial footing, Asialink expects to continue expanding its MSME lending base, push digital innovation and gear up for its public debut, potentially a year earlier than planned.
