Banks in the Philippines expect to maintain their lending standards for both business and household loans in the final quarter of 2025, according to a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The survey, which included 58 banks, found that 86% of respondents plan to maintain lending standards for business loans, up from 78.9% in Q3 2025. Meanwhile, 10.5% said they would tighten standards, and the remaining 3.5% indicated plans to ease lending requirements for business loans.
For household loans, 87.5% of banks expect to keep lending standards unchanged, an increase from the previous quarter. Around 10% anticipate tightening their standards, while 2.5% may relax them.
According to the BSP, lending standards include the rules banks apply when issuing loans, such as interest rates, loan size, collateral requirements, loan conditions, and repayment terms.
Manila, 22 December 2025 – Banks in the Philippines are expected to maintain their lending standards for both business and household loans in the final quarter of 2025, according to the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey.
The survey, which covered 58 banks, indicates a trend toward stability in credit policies amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
For business loans, the survey found that:
86% of banks plan to maintain current lending standards, up from 78.9% in Q3 2025.
10.5% intend to tighten standards.
3.5% expect to ease lending requirements.
For household loans, the figures were similar:
87.5% of banks expect to keep lending standards unchanged, rising from the previous quarter.
10% anticipate tightening.
2.5% may relax standards.
BSP officials noted that lending standards encompass the rules and criteria banks apply when issuing loans, including interest rates, loan size, collateral requirements, loan conditions, and repayment terms.
Lending Standards Survey – Q4 2025 (Philippines)
| Loan Type | Maintain Standards | Tighten Standards | Ease Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Loans | 86% | 10.5% | 3.5% |
| Household Loans | 87.5% | 10% | 2.5% |
The BSP survey highlights the cautious approach of Philippine banks, reflecting their focus on risk management and financial stability while continuing to support business operations and household borrowing. Analysts say that maintaining lending standards may help prevent overheating in credit growth, particularly as the economy adjusts to external pressures and domestic demand fluctuations.