BPI Sustainability Agenda
BPI has embraced sustainability in the conduct of its business – a commitment that started in the 1980s and continues to the present. This sustainability orientation emanates from top management and has been part of the Bank’s business strategy and operations. As a result of his contributions in pioneering sustainability initiatives, BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala was named as one of the 10 Corporate Champions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the world, in 2017. BPI’s unique sustainability formula– ESG+E₂–emphasizes the need for ESG initiatives to result in Economic (E₂) gains to stakeholders in order to be truly sustainable.
BPI has an established Board-approved Sustainability Agenda which guides the integration of sustainability principles in the Bank's strategy, operations, and risk management framework. Our Sustainability Agenda also allows the Bank to position its compliance with local Sustainability regulations.
Regulation | Subject |
|---|---|
| SEC Memorandum Circular No. 4 Series of 2019 | Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly-Listed Companies |
| BSP Circular No. 1085 | Sustainable Finance Framework |
| BSP Circular No. 1128 | Environmental and Social Risk Management Framework |
| BSP Circular No. 1149 | Guidelines on the Integration of Sustainability Principles in Investment Activities of Banks |
| BSP Circular No. 1185 | Grant of Additional Single Borrower's Limit for Financing Eligible Projects and Zero Percent Reserve Requirement Rate Against Sustainable Bonds |
| BSP Circular No. 1187 | Philippine Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines |
ESG Policy Statement
We are committed to Responsible Banking, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into how we conduct our business – how we manage resources, how we craft the products and services we offer, how we serve our customers, and how we add value to our various stakeholders
As a bank responsible for a meaningful share of the country’s loans and deposits, how we allocate resources will have a significant impact on how we grow as a nation. Our governance is focused on the allocation of resources in a manner that promotes financial inclusion, preservation of the environment, sustainability, and social good.
Sustainability Strategy
Our sustainability objectives are embodied in the two strategic business pillars of Responsible Banking and Responsible Operations. BPI’s Sustainability Strategy supports our vision of building a better Philippines, one family, one community at a time.
As part of Responsible Banking, we aim to consistently offer financial products and services that integrate ESG criteria into business decisions while supporting economic growth, providing lasting benefits for both clients and the society.
As part of Responsible Operations, we aim to responsibly manage environmental and social capital efficiently for day-to-day operations.
Supporting these two strategic business pillars are Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management, which serve as checks and balances on the implementation of the Bank’s Sustainability Strategy, as well as compliance with local, national, and global standards/regulations.
Sustainability Governance
BPI’s Sustainability Agenda and Strategy is ultimately governed by the Board through the Executive Committee (ExCom), Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee (CGSCom), and the Risk Management Committee (RMCom). The ExCom and CGSCom oversees the overall integration of sustainability principles in the strategic direction of the bank while the RMCom is responsible for ensuring that Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management is incorporated in the Bank’s risk management systems.
The following dedicated teams have also been established as part of the Bank’s Sustainability governance and management structures.
1. Sustainability Office
- Manages the over-all implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the Board-approved BPI Sustainability Agenda across all segments and groups of the Bank
- Serves as the Secretariat of the Sustainability Council and the Sustainable Funding Committee
2. Environmental and Social Risk Management unit, under the Risk Management Office
BPI has a sound Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework that governs how we manage risks as we create and maximize value for our stakeholders. Guided by BSP Circulars 1085 and 1128, BPI has established under the ERM framework a general policy on ESRMS, approved by the Risk Management and Executive Committees in December 2021 and January 2022, respectively.
The general policy on ESRMS serves the following purposes for the Bank:
- Integrates E&S risk management into our risk governance structure
- Promotes the establishment and/or updating of policies, processes, methods, and tools that integrate E&S risk management into our main business activities and decision-making processes
- Supports the two sustainability pillars of Responsible Banking and Responsible Operations
Engaging the Organization on ESG
The BPI Sustainability Agenda has been cascaded bank-wide to all business segments and groups, with each business unit guided in the identification of their respective short, medium, and long-term Goals, Action Plans, and Metrics for Sustainability (GAMS). All employees, including all executives, officers, and staff, are mandated to have a 10% minimum allocation to sustainability in their respective annual performance targets, thereby impacting each employee’s remuneration.
In 2025, the BPI segment and group heads reaffirmed their commitment in integrating ESG to their respective businesses through the following updated sustainability commitments.
| Responsible Banking | |
|---|---|
| Group / Segment | Sustainability Commitment |
Institutional Banking | We bank the most influential local and foreign institutions in the Philippines. Likas-kayang pagunlad and pananatili is core to our business practices. We commit to continue to (1) actively promote, facilitate, and support sustainable practices of our clients; (2) integrate ESG criteria into our business decisions across all relevant product, and (3) provide and develop technical assistance programs that support the UN SDGs. |
Business Banking | We recognize the valuable role of SMEs in driving local employment and nation-building. We commit to expand our reach and deepen our impact with accessible, sustainable and innovative solutions. By harnessing technology and leveraging data-driven strategies, we enable Filipino SMEs realize long-term growth. Through capacity-building initiatives and strategic partnerships, we empower them to build a more inclusive and resilient economy. |
Consumer Banking | At the core of our Sustainability commitment are the customers we serve – ensuring we enable a future that is better and brighter for generations to come. Three years ago, we embarked on a Phygital Transformation journey that would expand our digital capabilities, optimize branch presence, and enhance customer experience. We will continue to: 1. pursue greater financial inclusion and onboard 2 million more customers; 2. reduce our carbon footprint and consolidate 77 more branches and enroll 2 million customers in our digital channels; and 3. enhance our financial advisory and product suite so we can expand access of customers to affordable savings and loans, protection, and investments. We commit to the principles of Sustainable Banking so we may build a better Philippines – one family, one community at a time. |
Mass Retail | We help ensure the unbanked and underbanked are included in the country's economic growth by providing sustainable financial solutions tailor-fit for microbusinesses, farmers, fishermen, and the salaried C2D income earners. With LSB, we are now able to extend our reach to public school teachers equipping them in achieving their financial goals. We also provide loan products to make financing for solar panels, schools, and hospitals more accessible and affordable for retail clients. For most of the new credit cards we issue, we have already migrated to recycled PVC — a more sustainable material compared to the old plastics that we use. And through digital innovations, we will continue to make our processes more sustainable and paperless. |
Agency Banking | Agency Banking has always emphasized inclusivity and convenience through strong partnerships for seamless digital transactions. Combining our partners’ physical touchpoints with BPI’s innovative digital solutions ensures accessible banking for all. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability, fostering environmental stewardship. Our goal is to create a more inclusive, convenient banking experience that benefits communities while protecting the planet for future generations. |
Global Markets | Sustainability is in Global Markets’ DNA. And as we grow our portfolio of sustainability loans and bonds, we also aim to grow our expertise in sustainable finance by learning the latest regulations, global standards and best practices in managing a balance sheet built to grow our commitment to sustainability. We will also continue to raise ESG themed funding that aims to motivate, challenge, and enable our partners in deploying these funds in qualified sustainable assets. Finally, we will continue to provide essential Treasury services to our clients that support priority sectors with positive environmental and social impacts, including MSMEs, social services, and clean energy. |
Wealth Management | BPI Wealth sets the standard in purposeful investing-driving impact, financial inclusivity, and long-term value. We have investment funds that support green and social projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, we introduced BPI Wealth Builder-d first-of-its-kind solution combining financial growth with lifestyle, health, medical and insurance benefits at various investment milestones. This year, we are expanding access to global investment. opportunities with the launch of a peso share class for the BPI Sustainable Funds — making it easier for more Filipinos to invest meaningfully. We continue to champion financial inclusivity through learning programs like the BPI Wealth Summit and FinQuest. BPI PERA is now available online thru e-Invest, enabling more Filipinos to start preparing for retirement. |
| Responsible Operations | |
|---|---|
| Group / Segment | Sustainability Commitment |
Enterprise Operations | In Enterprise Operations, sustainability is the foundation of our long-term strategy and permeates all that we do. We continually strengthen this commitment by fostering awareness within our network, promoting community engagement, and driving positive change across all touchpoints. Through innovation, digitalization, and intelligent automation, we are reengineering processes to be more efficient, customer-centric, and environmentally responsible. Guided by the principles of responsible operations, we ensure that every step we take moves towards an ever more efficient use of resources, because sustainability isn't just what we do it's a passion we truly believe in. |
Enterprise Technology | At Enterprise Technology, we are fully committed to leading BPI's digital transformation journey. Our dedication is reflected in our continuous investment in cutting-edge technology, encompassing advanced analytics, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. These efforts are geared towards propelling the Bank towards its objectives of expanding its customer base and enhancing service efficiency. We are dedicated to championing sustainability and actively working to reduce our carbon footprint. By leveraging state-of-the-art digital technologies, we ensure that BPI's banking solutions are not only safe and secure but also accessible and affordable for Filipinos everywhere. Our mission is to transcend economic barriers and geographical boundaries, making banking services available to all. |
Human Resources Group | HR envisions a House of BPI where employees are healthy, well, and highly engaged, with ready new generation leadership, with highly capable and high performing workforce that is progressively digital to the core. Overlaying these goals is building a strong culture anchored on our NICE-values and CHANGE competencies. In pursuit of this vision, HR commits to provide programs aligned to this aspiration and create a working environment where employees can do more and be more. |
Payments Council | We are committed to shaping a payment future that is fast, inclusive, and planet-friendly – where every transaction helps build a more sustainable world. |
Customer and Marketing Group | We, at the Customer and Marketing Group, will continue to raise sustainability awareness by driving change. Beyond promoting sustainability principles and best practices, we are committed to amplifying the Bank's initiatives that make banking smarter, more efficient, and more accessible for all. We have now empowered close to 50% of Filipinos with knowledge of sustainability. And we won't stop there. Our mission continues: to weave sustainability into every message, inspiring more Filipinos to embrace, support, and shape a future that is truly sustainable. |
Chief Credit | We commit to continue to maintain and promote adherence to Sustainability Goals as an integral component in our appreciation and evaluation of credit underwriting proposals. |
Risk Management Office | We, at the Chief Risk Segment, are dedicated to continuously enhance the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our enterprise risk management, compliance, and internal control frameworks to ensure the effectiveness of our governance systems and processes. Our primary goal is to create value for the entire BPI organization while proactively managing environmental and social risks across the bank's activities. Through these efforts, we can help foster a sustainable future, ensure the resilience and long-term success of BPI and the communities we serve, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to responsible governance. |
Strategy & Finance | At BPI, sustainability is a strategic priority. We integrate global ESG principles and standards in our products, services, and operations. Through phygital channels, we reach underserved and underbanked Filipinos while lowering our carbon footprint and enhancing risk resilience. We are committed to delivering positive environmental and financial impact as we help build a better Philippines, one family, one community at a time. |
The effectiveness of these GAMS are measured using BPI’s unique sustainability formula – ESG+E₂ – where the economic benefits (E₂) of our ESG initiatives are also considered.
Each business unit has Sustainability Champions who spearhead the integration of ESG principles into their respective business models and operations.
To ensure that business units are able to deliver on their GAMS, all employees are required to take a sustainability training course conducted by the Sustainability Office. The following topics are covered in the mandatory sustainability training course:
1. Fundamental Sustainability Concepts
- Definition of Sustainability
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
- People, Planet, Profit (PPP)
- Creating Shared Value (CSV) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
2. ESG Risks and Challenges, including Climate Risks
- Environmental and Climate Risks (eg. earthquakes, floodings/typhoons, volcanic eruptions)
- Social Risks (eg. poverty incidence)
- Governance (eg. risk and compliance, transparency)
3. Global and Local Standards, including Regulatory Developments
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Paris Climate Agreement
- Local Regulatory Developments
4. BPI’s Sustainability Journey, including the BPI Sustainability Agenda and the Ayala Sustainability Blueprint
5. BPI’s Sustainability Programs, Products, and Services
BPI continues to feature sustainability in the Officership Training Program (OTP) as well as in conversations with the Bank’s frontliners, clients, and partners. Our key officers continue to participate in public and private sustainability events to share insights and experiences on managing E&S risks, integrating sustainability and ESG into business strategy, and sustainable banking.
Public Commitments on Sustainability
| Coal Phase-Out Policy |
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| Ayala Sustainability Blueprint | To expand access to banking and financial services to 25 percent of the underbanked population of the Philippines (addressable C and D markets) |
| Council for Inclusive Capitalism (CIC) | The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will promote greater financial inclusion by expanding financial services to five million:
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