BPI named PH’s Best Managed Bank, TG Limcaoco hailed Best Bank CEO by The Asian Banker

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reinforced its leadership in Philippine banking with four major recognitions—including Best Managed Bank in the Philippines and Best Bank CEO in the Philippines for BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco—from The Asian Banker (TAB), a Singapore-headquartered global research and benchmarking organization whose awards recognize excellence in leadership, performance, and innovation across the financial services industry through rigorous, research-driven assessments.

BPI, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary, was also named Best Retail Bank in the Philippines and Best SME Bank in the Philippines under the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2026, recognizing the Bank’s strength in serving both individual customers and businesses. The four recognitions were presented at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards 2026, held recently at Seda BGC.

“These recognitions reflect the collective efforts of our people and the trust our customers continue to place in BPI. As we grow and transform, we remain focused on building a stronger and more resilient bank that creates lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve,” Limcaoco said.

“We will continue to invest in our people, technology, and capabilities so we can serve Filipinos better, help businesses grow, and enable more people to achieve their aspirations,” he added.

The Best Bank CEO recognition covers Limcaoco’s leadership from January 2023 to December 2025, a period marked by significant transformation and sustained growth for BPI. TAB cited Limcaoco’s disciplined execution of a clear strategy to build a larger, more integrated, and increasingly digital financial institution while maintaining a strong focus on customer relevance, operational resilience, and responsible growth.

A defining achievement during the period was BPI’s successful integration of Robinsons Bank, which expanded its customer franchise, distribution network, and market reach. The integration brought together branches, customers, products, systems, and operating processes while preserving service continuity and maintaining business momentum.

The expanded franchise was accompanied by sustained growth in lending, deposits, and earnings, alongside improved operating efficiency. TAB noted that BPI strengthened profitability, reduced its cost-to-income ratio to 47.2%, maintained return on equity at 14.5%, and preserved sound capital and asset quality despite the scale of the integration.

TAB also recognized BPI’s continued investments in technology, people, and institutional capabilities. The Bank has increasingly integrated digital banking, redesigned branches, and broader distribution partnerships, allowing routine transactions to migrate to digital channels while enabling branches to focus on advisory and higher-value customer relationships.

BPI was named Best Retail Bank in the Philippines for the second consecutive year, with TAB citing the Bank’s consistent financial performance, disciplined execution, and sustained innovation in delivering customer value across deposits, lending, payments, and digital engagement. The Bank was recognized for combining scale, technology, and customer engagement to drive sustainable growth and market leadership.

For Best SME Bank, TAB recognized BPI for building what it described as one of the most structurally embedded and disciplined SME banking franchises in the Philippines. The Bank was cited for its consistent execution, prudent risk management, lifecycle-based approach, broad market reach, and relationship-led engagement in supporting the long-term growth and resilience of the SME sector.

Founded in 1996, TAB conducts research, benchmarking, publishing, and industry programs for financial institutions across Asia Pacific and other global markets. Its awards are research-driven, with institutions assessed using program-specific methodologies and scorecards, supported by industry data, research, and interviews with shortlisted institutions. Results undergo independent review by a Council of Advisors before winners are finalized.

Established in 2004, the TAB Global Leadership Achievement Awards recognize outstanding CEOs, chairpersons, and boards in the financial services industry. Conducted once every three years, the program assesses how effectively banking leaders translate strategy into sustained institutional performance. The Best Managed Bank award is presented alongside the CEO Leadership Achievement Award, reflecting the principle that strong leadership should translate into a strong and sustainable institution.

The TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards, meanwhile, benchmarks financial institutions using a balanced scorecard covering 10 performance dimensions, including financial performance, leadership, innovation, customer value, and sustainable growth.