BIZ BUZZ: Metrobank closes 2023 with a bang

Industry giant Metropolitan Bank & Trust (Metrobank) is closing the year with yet another accolade, this time from the esteemed Financial Times Group publication, The Banker. For the second consecutive year, it named Ty family’s flagship lender the best bank of the year, thanks to its ability to deliver returns to investors while playing a key role as a facilitator of capital to businesses and consumers.

Of note was Metrobank’s record performance in 2022, which was its 60th anniversary year, driven by strong retail and corporate loans that helped drive the economic reopening during the post pandemic era.

“Metrobank has been in the industry for six decades and throughout our journey, we have always ensured that we are able to thrive in different market conditions,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said. “We are thankful for the Banker’s recognition. It is most timely given the challenging economic prospects that the world faces today. We aim to sustain an upward momentum in our performance. Moving forward, we remain committed in keeping our stakeholders in good hands,” he added.

Metrobank has bagged several other awards from government and private sector bodies this year, including Asiamoney’s best domestic bank award and The Asia Banker’s strongest bank prize.

“These awards reinforce Metrobank’s commitment to strength, innovation and service excellence and truly underscore the dedication of Metrobankers in keeping clients in good hands,” the lender said. —Miguel R. Camus