Metrobank plans to raise P5 billion from ASEAN sustainability bonds

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March 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Bank and  Trust Co. (Metrobank) is planning to issue its first ASEAN Sustainability peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds worth at least P5 billion, as the bank seeks to diversify its funding sources and support lending activities.

In a disclosure to the local bourse, the Ty-led bank said the planned issuance will have a tenor of 1.5 years and may include an oversubscription option depending on market demand.

The offering, which will be issued in pesos, is subject to market conditions.

The bank said Metrobank president Fabian Dee approved the issuance on March 3 under its P154.5-billion bond and commercial paper program.

The fund-raising activity forms part of the bank’s broader capital markets program, covering issuances of up to P200 billion in bonds and commercial papers, which was earlier approved by the board of directors on Dec. 15, 2021.

Metrobank said proceeds from the planned bond sale would be used to diversify the bank’s funding sources while supporting its lending operations.

Funds raised will also be allocated to finance or refinance eligible assets in line with the bank’s sustainable finance framework.

The proposed issuance will mark Metrobank’s first ASEAN Sustainability Bond, aligning the bank’s funding strategy with sustainability-linked financing initiatives in the region.

To facilitate the transaction, the bank has appointed First Metro Investment Corp., ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for the planned offering.

Metrobank is currently rated Baa2 with a stable outlook by Moody’s and BBB- with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings.