East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) earned ₱5.0 billion in the first nine months of 2026, as strong revenue growth and improved operating efficiency supported profitability amid heightened credit risks.
Net revenues climbed 16% year-on-year to ₱43.4 billion, outpacing the 10% increase in operating expenses as the bank continued to expand its core lending and fee-generating businesses.
Net interest income rose 22% to ₱36.2 billion, driven by a larger interest-earning asset base. Service charges, fees and commissions increased 10% to ₱5.8 billion.
With operating expenses at ₱21.0 billion, EastWest improved its cost-to-income ratio to 48.4% from 51.4% a year earlier. Pre-provision operating profit increased 24% to ₱22.4 billion, reflecting stronger earnings from operations before credit-loss provisions.
“Our underlying businesses remain healthy, with strong revenue growth and improving operating efficiency allowing the Bank to remain profitable,” said EastWest Chief Executive Officer Jerry G. Ngo. “The current environment requires us to maintain discipline in managing risk while continuing to strengthen the franchise for the long term.”
Provisions for expected credit losses stood at ₱15.9 billion, reflecting heightened credit risks amid a more challenging and uncertain economic environment. Non-performing loan coverage was at 90%.
The bank’s balance sheet continued to expand. Total assets grew 14% to ₱631.8 billion, while loans increased 11% to ₱399.9 billion. Deposits rose 12% to ₱466.4 billion, with the current account and savings account (CASA) ratio maintained at 77%.
Its wealth management business also gained ground, with assets under management in EastWest Priority reaching ₱145.0 billion, up 35%.
EastWest maintained capital buffers above regulatory minimums, reporting a capital adequacy ratio of 12.2% and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.4%. A planned ₱9.0-billion stock rights offering is expected to further strengthen its capital base and support future growth.
The bank also received four distinctions from International Finance Magazine recognizing its wealth management and investment capabilities. These included Best in Priority Banking Experience–Philippines for the fourth consecutive year, Most Innovative Securities Broker–Philippines, Best Emerging Fund Manager, and Best Specialized Private Wealth Advisor.
EastWest earned three Golden Arrows at the 2026 Golden Arrow Awards for its corporate governance practices, while its Cagayan de Oro branch was recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as an outstanding institutional partner in Mindanao.
“Our priority is to navigate the current environment with financial and risk discipline without losing sight of the Bank’s longer-term opportunities,” Ngo said. “By maintaining a strong operating franchise while actively managing risks, we are positioning EastWest to weather near-term uncertainties while building the capabilities needed for sustainable growth.”