The past two years have been tough for everyone. And when times get tough, financial institutions have it in their best interest to be at their strongest, in order to provide the most help for their clients. Based on a leading consumer survey covering the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) was indeed a pillar of strength and reliability for customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the most recent BankQuality Consumer Survey on Retail Banks for 2022, Metrobank was recognized as the “Most Helpful Bank during COVID-19” in the Philippines and placed 10th in the entire APAC region.
According to The Asian Banker, who conducted the BankQuality survey, one of the bank’s most helpful initiatives was ScamProof.ph, an online platform that consolidated information on the different types of fraud and tips to avoid them. Metrobank rallied other banks to also contribute to this industry-wide fight against fraud, at a time when most consumers have increased activities online. Moreover, Metrobank was also recognized for being an active partner of the government and private sectors’ Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat campaign, which helped build consumer confidence and champion empowered vigilance amid the pandemic.
At a time when the world experienced a transition, Metrobank’s “You’re In Good Hands” promise was made even more relevant. Since the start of the pandemic, the Bank, through the Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation, has donated a total of Php 346 million to various pandemic-related aid programs, which include PPEs for frontliners, and testing kits, molecular laboratories, and assistance to community pantries nationwide. Moreover, the Bank strengthened its customer-centric approach through digital initiatives that helped engage and educate customers in this new normal environment. To date, 98% of the Bank’s employees are fully vaccinated through the Metrobank Group-initiated vaccination program. Employee volunteerism also remains strong in doing community service nationwide.
Simultaneously, when the survey was being conducted at the tail end of the pandemic from late 2021 to early 2022, The Asian Banker also hailed Metrobank as the “Strongest Bank” in the Philippines for 2021. Metrobank’s strong balance sheet was credited as the factor that helped them clinch the accolade.
“We would like to thank The Asian Banker for recognizing our preparation and hard work. We are truly honored and humbled,” said Metrobank President Fabian Dee. “We also would like to dedicate this award to all our clients who trusted us during these most difficult times, and to all the Metrobankers who, indeed, made sure that all our clients are in good hands. All of you are the reason why we are the ‘Strongest’ and the ‘Most Helpful Bank’,” Dee concluded.
The BankQuality Consumer Survey on Retail Banks 2022 involved 11,000 consumers from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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Metrobank is one of the strongest and well-capitalized banks in the country. The Bank believes that its robust capital position and balance sheet strength will provide ample support as it navigates through these uncertain times. Capital ratios are among the highest in the industry, with total CAR at 18.5% and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 17.6%. Consolidated assets stood at P2.6 trillion at the end of March 2022, making Metrobank the country’s second largest private universal bank.