CBS China Bank Savings sustained its growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, posting a net income of P631.2 million, up 11.5% year-on-year (YoY). Continued strength across its core businesses drove the increase.
Net interest income increased by 20.4% YoY to P2.8 billion. Sustained growth in the Bank’s lending business supported the improvement.
Loan and Deposit Growth Remain Strong
Total assets stood at P217.3 billion, backed by a growing customer base of more than one million.
Net loans expanded by 11.5% YoY to P155.5 billion. The increase was driven mainly by continued growth in the Bank’s salary loan and business loan segments.
Deposits likewise increased by 12.0% to P191.4 billion. This reinforced the Bank’s liquidity position and funding stability.
CBS President James Christian T. Dee is confident in the bank’s ability to sustain the momentum.
“CBS prides itself in maintaining strong relationships with its customers, and they have rewarded the Bank with loyalty. There is no substitute for trust and dependability, and the Bank provides that in spades whatever the circumstance.”

Asset Quality and Market Position Stay Stable
Asset quality remained stable, with an NPL ratio of 2.9%. The Bank’s NPLs continue to be adequately covered by loan-loss allowances, reflecting CBS’ conservative provisioning stance.
CBS Chairman Ricardo R. Chua said the youth and vigor of the CBS organization is quite exciting, and he expects the bank to continue outperforming economic conditions.
“These are interesting times, but a young bank like CBS can be more agile and can adapt to the changing environment faster. Already CBS is establishing itself in the thrift banking space as a significant player. Thanks to its mix of affordable and readily available loan products, and its competent and driven workforce which is in tune with the needs of the Bank’s target market.”

CBS Expands Branch Network Nationwide
CBS continues to strengthen its nationwide presence and customer reach through its network of 175 branches, 34 APD lending centers, and 73 APD branch-lite units. The network is supported by more than 3,000 employees.
As part of its ongoing expansion strategy, the Bank converted 10 branch-lite units into full-service branches in April 2026. It is also set to open an additional five branches before the end of the second quarter, bringing its total branch network to 190 branches. CBS also continues to enhance its digital capabilities as part of its broader transformation initiatives.
CBS Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Group Head Jan Nikolai M. Lim is leading the branch expansion of CBS nationwide. Lim commented on the drive behind the expansion amid current economic uncertainties.
“We at CBS are eager to provide our ‘Easy Banking’ services nationwide, and that is why we continue to expand our branch network despite accelerating inflation. We are confident in the resilience of the Philippine economy, and we recognize the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Filipino entrepreneur will require financial support from the banking sector to ensure sustainability as well as prosperity for their endeavors.”

Focus on Lending and Digital Growth
As it moves through the rest of 2026, CBS remains focused on expanding higher-yielding loan segments, growing its CASA base, deepening customer relationships, and sustaining operational efficiency. The Bank will continue investing in both physical and digital capabilities.
How important do you think branch expansion remains as more banks continue investing in digital services?