BPI Sustainability Agenda
BPI has long embedded sustainability into the way it conducts business—a commitment that began in the 1980s and continues to guide the Bank today. This sustainability orientation emanates from the top and is firmly integrated into BPI’s business strategy, decision-making, and operations.
In recognition of his leadership in advancing sustainability, BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala was named one of the world’s 10 Corporate Champions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2017. Central to BPI’s approach is its distinctive sustainability framework, ESG + E2, which underscores the importance of generating tangible economic (E2) value for stakeholders alongside environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes—ensuring that sustainability initiatives create lasting impact.
Supporting this approach is BPI’s Board-approved Sustainability Agenda, which provides strategic direction for integrating sustainability principles across the Bank’s strategy, operations, and risk management framework. The Sustainability Agenda also enables the Bank to align with and comply with applicable local sustainability regulations, while reinforcing BPI’s long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.
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 anchored on two strategic business pillars: Responsible Banking and Responsible Operations. Together, these pillars support BPI’s vision of building a better Philippines—one family and one community at a time.
Under Responsible Banking, BPI is committed to consistently offering financial products and services that integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into business decisions. Through this approach, the Bank supports sustainable economic growth while delivering long-term value to clients and society.
Under Responsible Operations, BPI focuses on the responsible and efficient management of environmental and social capital in its day-to-day operations.
These two strategic pillars are supported by Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management, which provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure effective implementation of the Bank’s Sustainability Strategy and adherence to local, national, and global standards and regulations.
Sustainability Governance Structure
BPI’s Sustainability Agenda is ultimately governed by the Board of Directors through the Executive Committee (ExCom), the 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.
Reporting to the ExCom, the senior management level Sustainability Council (SC) oversees the implementation of the Bank’s Sustainability Agenda. Meanwhile, a senior management level Sustainable Funding Committee (SFC) was established to oversee the use and management of proceeds from the Bank’s ESG-themed bond issuances.
The following dedicated teams have been established to support the Bank’s sustainability governance and management framework:
1. Sustainability Office
- Oversees the overall 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 (ESRM) Unit, under the Risk Management Office
BPI has a robust Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework that governs how the Bank identifies, manages, and responds to risks while creating and maximizing value for its stakeholders. In line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circulars No. 1085 and No. 1128, BPI established a general policy on Environmental and Social Risk Management System (ESRMS) under the ERM framework. This policy was approved by the Risk Management Committee in December 2021 and by the Executive Committee in January 2022.
The ESRMS general policy serves the following key purposes:
- Integrates environmental and social (E&S) risk management into the Bank’s risk governance structure
- Promotes the development and/or enhancement of policies, processes, methodologies, and tools that embed E&S risk management into core business activities and decision-making
- Supports the Bank’s two sustainability pillars of Responsible Banking and Responsible Operations
Sustainability Summit
BPI conducts an annual Sustainability Summit—an institution‑wide celebration of the Bank’s sustainability achievements from the previous year—which also serves as the formal kick‑off and platform for announcing new targets, priorities, and commitments for the year ahead. Attended by employees across the organization, the Summit features pledges from senior management on the integration of ESG into their respective business segments through clear Goals, Action Plans, and Metrics for Sustainability (GAMS), alongside messages from Ayala Corporation and BPI leadership, including the Chairman, President and CEO, and Chief Sustainability Officer.
To recognize and reinforce employee contributions, BPI integrates a mandatory minimum 10% sustainability component into the performance ratings of all employees—across executives, officers, and staff—and further celebrates exemplary impact through the annual Sustainability Innovations Awards, which honor outstanding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives across the Bank.
Sustainability at the heart of BPI
" I am delighted that BPI has taken sustainability to heart. It is part of our mindset, our strategies, and daily activities, and embedded in our DNA. I am confident that, with the talent, energy, and passion that I see from our Unibankers every day, whether at the head office or at our branches, no challenge is insurmountable."
- Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala
Chairman of Ayala Corporation and Bank of the Philippine Islands
Commitment to responsible banking
“Sustainability has always been a high priority at BPI. We are committed to responsible banking, and we will continue to champion sustainability towards a better Philippines. BPI’s unique sustainability formula ESG+E2 refers to Environmental (E), Social (S), and Governance (G) initiatives resulting in Economic (E2) gains.”
- Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco
BPI President and Chief Executive Officer
Critical business imperative
“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."
– Eric Roberto M. Luchangco
Executive Vice President, BPI Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chief Finance Officer
Driving Organizational Commitment to Sustainability
The BPI Sustainability Agenda has been cascaded bank-wide across all business segments and groups. Each business unit is guided in identifying its respective short-, medium-, and long-term Goals, Action Plans, and Metrics for Sustainability (GAMS) to ensure alignment with the Bank’s sustainability priorities.
All employees —including executives, officers, and staff—are mandated to allocate at least 10% of their annual performance targets to sustainability-related objectives. This performance-based integration directly links measurable sustainability outcomes to employee remuneration.
In 2025, BPI’s segment and group heads further reaffirmed their commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their respective businesses through updated sustainability commitments, strengthening the Bank’s collective responsibility toward sustainable growth.
| 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 and impact of each business unit’s Goals, Action Plans, and Metrics for Sustainability (GAMS) is assessed using BPI’s unique sustainability formula, ESG + E2, which ensures economic benefits (E2) are generated by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
To drive implementation at the business-unit level, Sustainability Champions have been designated across the Bank. These champions lead the integration of ESG principles and standards into their respective business models, strategies, and operations.
To further ensure that business units are well-equipped to deliver on their GAMS, all employees are required to complete a mandatory sustainability training course spearheaded by the Sustainability Office. The training program covers the following key topics:
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
Beyond mandatory training, sustainability continues to be embedded in the Officership Training Program (OTP) and in ongoing engagements with the Bank’s frontliners, clients, and partners. BPI’s key officers also actively participate in both public and private sustainability-related events, sharing insights and experiences on managing environmental and social risks, integrating ESG into business strategy, and advancing sustainable banking practices.
Over 150 Sustainability Champions
engaged across all business units as sustainability advocates and official representatives of their groups helping ensure their goals and targets are achieved.
39 partner organizations
engaged by the Bank’s leaders as resource speakers in various ESG‑related government and industry fora, conferences, and webinars in the Philippines and across the region.
10 bank-wide GAMS
(Goals Action Plans Metrics for Sustainability) with metrics set across all segments and groups supporting the BPI Sustainability Agenda
29 sustainability-related speaking engagements
by BPI’s senior management
Public Commitments on Sustainability
| Coal Phase-Out Policy |
|
| 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) | From BPI’s 2023 commitment to promote greater financial inclusion by expanding financial services to five million:
Using a more refined definition of unbanked and underbanked Filipinos, BPI has served 10 million as of 2025. Building on this achievement, BPI has updated its commitment:
BPI’s Financial Inclusion Commitment BPI commits to the Council for Inclusive Capitalism (CIC) its contribution to advancing the country’s economic growth by making its financial solutions more affordable and accessible, expanding the Bank’s reach from serving 10 million underbanked and underserved Filipinos in year-end 2025 to 20 million in 2030. |
