Left photo: In 1924, BPI opened its third oldest branch on Jakosalem Street in Cebu City. In 1941, the branch relocated to a new building at the corner of Magallanes and P. Burgos Streets. Right photo: Today, the BPI Cebu Main Branch continues to serve clients from this historic building, which also houses the BPI Museum Cebu. Photo source: BPI
From introducing the Philippines' first banknotes in 1855 to launching the country's first 24-hour automated teller machine (ATM) in 1982, and online banking at the start of the millennium, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been transforming Philippine banking for 175 years. This August 1, 2026, the bank celebrates nearly two centuries of banking excellence, earning the trust of generations of Filipinos.
"For 175 years, BPI has stood alongside generations of Filipinos through every milestone, challenge, and opportunity," said TG Limcaoco, President and CEO of BPI. "Our history is defined not only by being first, but by continuously serving our customers and contributing to the country's progress. As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering more Filipinos through innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth."
Established on August 1, 1851 as Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II*, BPI is the first bank in the Philippines and longest operating in Southeast Asia. It was renamed Banco Español-Filipino in 1869 before becoming the Bank of the Philippine Islands in 1912. BPI has remained at the forefront of the country's economic development, withstanding crises such as revolutions, market disruptions, and natural disasters, while supporting the nation's recovery; and continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of Filipino individuals, businesses, and communities.
Doing more by leading the way
Most recently, it became one of the first private universal banks in the country to waive both InstaPay and PESONet transfer fees for interbank fund transfers, helping accelerate digital payment adoption and make banking accessible for millions of Filipinos. BPI is also the first universal bank to run a barcode-based cash deposit transaction in a retail store, bringing banking services close to communities through its expanding Agency Banking network.
Today, BPI continues to build on this legacy of innovation and leadership. For the first half of 2026, the bank posted P32.8 billion in net income while growing its total assets to P3.7 trillion, loan portfolio to P2.7 trillion, deposits to P2.8 trillion, and total equity to P482.6 billion, underscoring the strength of its franchise and the continued trust of its customers.
(L-R): BPI's Louie Cruz, Head of Institutional Banking; Eric Luchangco, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer; Tere Marcial, BPI Wealth President and CEO; TG Limcaoco, President and CEO; Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking; Gina Eala, Chief Human Resources Head; and Dino Gasmen, Treasurer and Global Markets Head. Photo source: BPI
Doing more for the Philippines
BPI serves millions of Filipinos through 1,242 branches, 2,219 ATMs and 377 cash accept machines, and an expanding digital ecosystem that includes the BPI App, VYBE by BPI, BPI Trade, BPI Wealth, BizLink, BizKo, and BanKo Mobile App.
Complementing its physical and digital channels is the bank's growing Agency Banking network, which extends access to financial services through more than 7,000 retail partner stores nationwide. These partner stores enable Filipinos to open accounts and apply for BPI products in places they already frequent, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. Today, 1,369 partner stores also offer cash deposit and withdrawal services, bringing essential banking transactions close to communities.
Doing more for sustainability
Sustainability remains central to BPI's long-term strategy. The bank recently reached a significant environmental milestone with 100 branches now fully powered by 100% clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to reducing its operational carbon footprint and embedding sustainability into its day-to-day operations.
BPI's Commonwealth Avenue Branch is one of the 100 branches powered by renewable energy. Photo source: BPI
Beyond its own footprint, BPI continues to mobilize capital toward projects that generate positive environmental and social impact through programs such as Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) as well as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) lending. BPI SDF is known as the only sustainable finance solution in the Philippines to offer free technical and financial evaluation from IFC-trained and accredited consultants. Meanwhile, BPI's MSME loan portfolio has been growing exponentially, as aided by phygital banking solutions.
For decades, BPI has also extended its impact beyond banking through BPI Foundation, its social development arm. The Foundation advances inclusive and sustainable development through programs in financial wellness, education, and social entrepreneurship. To date, it has empowered more than 5.6 million beneficiaries nationwide, collaborated with seven partners, and conducted financial education programs reaching over 5 million Filipinos.
BPI Foundation, in partnership with Knowledge Channel, held a financial wellness session in Naga City for educators and community members. Photo source: BPI
As BPI celebrates its 175th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its purpose of helping build a good Philippines—one family, one community at a time. Anchored by a legacy of trust and innovation, and guided by its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth, the bank looks ahead with renewed purpose, continuing to empower Filipinos, support businesses, and create lasting value for generations to come.
*The National Historical Commission of the Philippines certified that the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) was created on 1 August 1851, by the decree of Queen Isabel II of Spain as Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II. It was renamed as the Bank of the Philippine Islands by virtue of Act No. 1790 on 12 October 1907. In view thereof, the 175th anniversary of the institution has historical basis.