East West Banking Corporation delivered a robust earnings performance in 2025, reporting a 21% rise in net income to ₱9.2 billion as steady revenue momentum, disciplined spending, and stronger funding conditions supported profitability. Return on equity climbed to 11.9 percent, signaling improved efficiency and operating leverage.
The bank’s total revenues expanded 20 percent year on year to ₱51.0 billion, driven largely by the continued rise in net interest income to ₱40.6 billion alongside a 13 percent increase in interest-earning assets. Fee-based income also posted double-digit growth, climbing 21 percent to ₱7.1 billion, as EastWest broadened its ability to generate non-interest revenues across businesses.
“Our 2025 performance demonstrates the Bank’s ability to grow efficiently amidst a competitive environment and evolving market conditions,” said EastWest Bank President Jackie S. Fernandez. “We strengthened revenue generation across businesses, supported by resilient asset growth and improved fee momentum.”
Cost discipline remained a key theme during the year. Operating expenses rose by a contained 8 percent to ₱25.4 billion, mainly reflecting volume-related costs and sustained investments in people and technology that are now translating into productivity gains. As a result, pre-provision operating profit surged 33 percent to ₱25.5 billion, while the cost-to-income ratio improved sharply to 49.7 percent from 55.2 percent in 2024.
Provisions for credit losses reached ₱14.2 billion, consistent with the bank’s conservative risk posture and ongoing efforts to strengthen buffers. Non-performing loan coverage stood at 86 percent, keeping EastWest aligned with industry benchmarks amid a still-uncertain macroeconomic backdrop.
“Our prudent provisioning strategy ensures the Bank remains well-positioned against macroeconomic uncertainties,” said EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo. “Even with these added buffers, we delivered solid profitability and improved returns.”
Balance sheet growth remained in step with funding strength. Total assets increased 10 percent to ₱577.1 billion, while deposits grew 13 percent to ₱437.8 billion, sustaining a strong CASA ratio of 82 percent. Deposit growth was led by CASA accounts, which expanded 14 percent, reinforcing the bank’s low-cost funding base. Priority Banking also gained momentum, with assets under management jumping 40 percent to surpass ₱100 billion.
Capitalization stayed comfortably above regulatory requirements, with a capital adequacy ratio of 13.5 percent and a CET1 ratio of 12.6 percent. Management noted that core businesses continue to show resilience, supported by steady loan demand and improving asset quality trends.
EastWest also continued to advance digital and service initiatives to enhance customer experience and scalability. Its EasyWay ecosystem maintained strong user feedback, posting app ratings of 4.9 on iOS and 4.8 on Google Play, while digital penetration reached 51 percent. These initiatives were complemented by multiple industry recognitions during the year, underscoring the bank’s focus on governance, service quality, and long-term resilience.
“We enter 2026 with strong momentum,” Ngo added. “Our continued investments in digital transformation, customer experience, and risk management will reinforce EastWest’s competitiveness and position us for sustained growth this year.”