Press Release
Oct 07, 2025
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) proudly announces its win as the Best Small Business Banking Service in the Philippines at The Asian Banker Philippines Excellence in Retail Finance and Financial Technology Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition underscores BPI Business Banking’s continued leadership in empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with financial solutions that are madali, magaan, at mabilis.
In Photo (L-R): Christian Kapfer, Research Director of The Asian Banker; Maricris San Diego, Marketing, SPPI, Products, and Campaigns Division Head of BPI Business Banking; Ma. Genalyn Paulino, Small Business Credit Division Head of BPI Business Banking; Dominique Ocliasa, Head of BPI Business Banking; Cara Funk, Marketing Head of BPI Business Banking; and Urs Bolt, International Resource Director of The Asian Banker.
This award reaffirms BPI’s position as the partner of choice for SMEs, providing accessible and inclusive financial products and services that support long-term business growth.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. At BPI, we understand their challenges and aspirations, and we are proud to walk with them in their journey of growth,” said BPI Business Banking Head, Dominique “Ococ” Ocliasa.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to deliver purpose-driven innovation, relevant financing, and capacity-building support to SMEs nationwide,” he added.
In 2024, BPI Business Banking achieved a 106% growth in SME loan portfolio and an 18.2% increase in SME clients, driven by data-centric strategies and a customer-first approach. Central to this success is Ka-Negosyo On The Go (KNOTG), the Philippines’ first fully digital SME loan application platform, featuring a Loan Finder, Eligibility Checker, and online loan application tool. Last year, the KNOTG platform grew its leads generation by 141% and its online applications by 95%, with approved accounts amounting to PHP 1.32 billion in loan amount.
BPI also introduced alternative credit scoring models, expanding financing access to underserved sectors. Notably, BPI’s simplified pre-qualified loan application program has helped expand access to financing for underserved yet credit-worthy SMEs, and contributed 24% to the 2024 loan portfolio growth.
While leading with digital innovation, BPI remains committed to personalized service. The bank’s hybrid model combines advanced technology with human touchpoints, ensuring every SME client receives expert guidance and long-term support.
Through initiatives like BizTalk, Ka-Nego Talk, and the Ka-Negososyo series, BPI delivered business education and insights to over 900 SME clients in 2024.
Complementing its lending products is BPI BizLink, a secure, 24/7 digital banking platform that enables over 22,000 SMEs to manage their finances seamlessly—whether it’s paying suppliers, employees, or government dues.
As the only commercial bank in the country offering an end-to-end online SME loan process with integrated e-signing via DocuSign, BPI sets the benchmark for innovation and inclusivity in SME financing.
The award reflects BPI’s broader mission to reinvent banking by focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach. With resilience and foresight, BPI continues its 174-year legacy of banking excellence, delivering real value to customers, employees, and communities alike.
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