In a powerful affirmation of its commitment to financial inclusion, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CLB) has earned the prestigious title of Rural/Cooperative Bank of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards 2025. This marks the bank’s fifth consecutive win—a clear reflection of its consistent efforts to deliver accessible and innovative financial services to communities often overlooked by traditional banking institutions.
L-R: Jimmy Ang, Institutional and Retail Lending Division Head, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank; Mansi Singh, Financial Services Strategy and Operations Partner, PwC Southeast Asia Consulting; and Andrew Alcid, Independent Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank.
Widely regarded as one of the most credible award-giving bodies in the Asia-Pacific, the ABF Awards recognize outstanding achievements in customer service, digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth across the region’s financial sector. CLB’s latest distinction places it among the region’s top-performing banks and reinforces its essential role in advancing inclusive finance in the Philippines, particularly in rural and remote areas.
“This honor from the ABF Awards affirms our commitment to bringing inclusive financial services to every Filipino, especially those in remote and financially excluded communities,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. “It is truly a proud moment for us to be acknowledged for our efforts, as we continue to meet Filipinos at every stage of their financial journey and support them in building a more secure and empowered future.”
The recognition comes as CLB demonstrates sustained growth and operational strength. As of the third quarter of 2024, the bank’s total assets reached PHP 8.2 billion, deposits climbed to PHP 8 billion, and total equity stood at PHP 1 billion—solid indicators of market confidence. Its lending portfolio grew by an impressive 73% year-on-year, driven by programs such as the Teachers Loan, which more than doubled in value to PHP 3 billion, along with steady growth in housing and business loans.
At the core of CLB’s success is its unparalleled accessibility. Through Cebuana Lhuillier’s nationwide footprint, the bank reaches clients via 3,477 branches acting as accredited banking agents, in addition to nine dedicated bank branches. This hybrid model proves effective in reaching clients in remote locations—bridging gaps in access and empowering those traditionally excluded from the formal banking system.
CLB has also taken major strides in digital transformation. Since launching its phased digitalization strategy in 2019, the bank has progressively introduced ATM and POS services, followed by digital fund transfer features via InstaPay, PesoNet, and Domestic Remittance (DomRem). These platforms have since processed billions in transactions, with InstaPay alone handling PHP 25.5 billion.
Supported by a robust core banking system aligned with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulations, these innovations are not just technical milestones—they are designed to eliminate barriers and create lasting opportunities for everyday Filipinos.
“This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every member of the Cebuana Lhuillier Bank team,” added Lhuillier. “It fuels our passion to keep innovating and extending our services to empower even more Filipino families.”
With its people-first approach, nationwide reach, and forward-looking digital strategy, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank continues to redefine what inclusive banking looks like—one milestone, one community, and one Filipino at a time.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Cebuana Lhuillier.
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