October 30, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) saw its consolidated net income jump by 32 percent to P8.2 billion from January to September, driven by higher lending activity and robust fee income performance.
The listed bank attributed the profit growth to a 13-percent expansion in gross customer loans and a 25-percent jump in fee-based income.
Net interest income also rose by 32 percent to P40.8 billion, supported by an 86-basis-point improvement in net interest margin to 4.68 percent. This translated to a 6.94 percent return on equity and a 0.84 percent return on assets.
RCBC said the increase in net interest income was fueled by the expansion in higher-yielding consumer loans, which surged by 33 percent year-on-year and now make up 46 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio.
Credit card and personal loan receivables also jumped by 38 percent, while auto and housing loans combined grew by 29 percent.
The bank said the sustained momentum in consumer lending was supported by its use of data science and digital channels to attract new clients, while leveraging its existing customer base.
Fee income also climbed by 24 percent to P7.8 billion, boosted by loan-related transactions, credit card fees and bancassurance activities.
RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Cariaso said the bank’s improving financial results reflect its disciplined execution and data-driven approach.
“Our continued momentum in the consumer segment affirms that our deliberate approach anchored on data-driven decisions, prudent risk management, and collaboration across businesses continues to drive sustainable growth for the bank,” Cariaso said.
As of end-September, RCBC’s total assets reached P1.31 trillion, backed by total deposits of P997 billion and a current account-savings account ratio of 50.4 percent.
The bank also strengthened its funding base with the issuance of P12.2 billion in sustainability bonds in July, taking advantage of an easing interest rate environment. RCBC’s total equity stood at P148.68 billion, with a common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.27 percent and a capital adequacy ratio of 14.15 percent, both above regulatory requirements.
RCBC operates 470 branches, 1,505 automated teller machines and 6,389 ATM Go terminals nationwide.