Philippines: the state of bank lending and non-bank lending
- MD Finance Team
- Jul 31
- 1 min read
Our latest research examines the Philippines’ banking and non-bank lending landscape, regulatory framework, digital infrastructure, rural bank acquisition opportunities, leading lenders, product economics, financial performance and key market-entry risks.
Two proven entry routes—and a market where execution matters more than demand.
The Philippines combines a young population of 117 million, rapidly expanding digital payments and low formal credit penetration. These conditions create opportunities for both bank and non-bank lenders.
Foreign fintechs have already entered the banking sector by acquiring and digitizing rural banks. At the same time, from 1 August 2026, the SEC will again accept registrations for new online lending platforms after a five-year moratorium.
But the opportunity comes with significant challenges. Regulation is becoming stricter, digital banks remain loss-making as a group, and profitability among online lenders is highly concentrated.
Our report provides a practical overview of:
• the banking and non-bank lending markets;
• regulation and capital requirements;
• rural-bank acquisitions and entry costs;
• digital loan products and their real all-in pricing;
• financial performance of leading lenders;
• the key opportunities and risks for new entrants.
Download the full report and explore whether the Philippines could become your next lending market.
