EastWest adopting more cautious stance

Title EastWest Adopts a Cautious Stance Amid Global Uncertainty A Pru
Prudent Approach to Navigating Turbulent Markets

As global markets continue to grapple with uncertainty, EastWest Banking Co
Corp. has taken a cautious approach to ensure its continued growth and stab
stability. In a recent media roundtable, CEO Jerry Ngo emphasized the impor
importance of prudence in the face of external shocks, such as war in the M
Middle East, inflation risks, and supply-side disruptions.

A Prudent Approach

EastWest's decision to adopt a more cautious stance is rooted in its commit
commitment to being a pro-cyclical business. The bank recognizes that it mu
must remain agile, prudent, and responsive to changes in the market. This m
means recalibrating strategy to focus on essential consumption, selective l
lending, and continued strengthening of credit buffers.

Ecosystem Partnerships

EastWest is investing heavily in ecosystem partnerships and digital channel
channels to embed financial services into everyday transactions. By partner
partnering with retail, fuel, and delivery platforms, the bank aims to deep
deepen engagement in non-discretionary spending segments, such as food and 
transportation.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Banking

The bank is pushing into SME banking through its business banking unit and 
early-stage pilots. This segment remains underserved, and EastWest sees sig
significant opportunities for growth by providing embedded banking solution
solutions using application programming interface-based systems.

Priority Banking and Wealth Management

EastWest is experiencing momentum in priority banking and wealth management
management as clients seek diversification amid market uncertainty. The ban
bank's continued expansion in these areas will help drive future growth.

Digital Transformation

The bank has made significant progress in its digital transformation journe
journey, with more than half of its customers now transacting digitally. On
Ongoing investments in mobile platforms and operational efficiency initiati
initiatives are aimed at improving unit costs and customer experience.

Financial Performance

EastWest's financial performance in 2025 was marked by a 21% year-on-year i
increase in net income to P9.2 billion, driven by growth in consumer lendin
lending, improved operating leverage, and sustained expansion in core banki
banking franchises. The bank also declared cash dividends of P1.8 billion, 
equivalent to P0.82 per share.

Conclusion

EastWest's cautious approach in the face of global uncertainty is a testame
testament to its commitment to prudence and resilience. By recalibrating st
strategy, investing in ecosystem partnerships, and driving digital transfor
transformation, the bank is well-positioned for continued growth and stabil
stability in 2026 and beyond.

Keywords EastWest Banking Corp., prudence, global uncertainty, ecosyst
ecosystem partnerships, SME banking, priority banking, wealth management, d
digital transformation, financial performance.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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