China Banking Corporation (China Bank) is a leading private universal bank in the Philippines with over 100 years of banking experience and history. We provide a full range of banking products and services to individuals and businesses. We also serve the retail banking, investment banking, and insurance needs of our diverse customers through our subsidiaries China Bank Savings, China Bank Capital, China Bank Securities, Resurgent Capital, China Bank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance.
China Bank’s head office is located in Makati City, Philippines. As of December 31, 2021, our nationwide footprint spanned 637 branches, complemented by self-service and digital banking channels available 24/7 — 1,037 ATMs, Cash Accept Machine, China Bank TellerPhone, China Bank Online, and China Bank Mobile App.
China Bank is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CHIB”. We are a member of the SM Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.
Brief History
China Bank was founded by Dee C. Chuan, a leading business leader and philanthropist, Don Albino Sycip, known as the Dean of Philippine Banking, and ten other prominent businessmen of the era. The Bank opened for business on August 16, 1920 on Calle Rosario—now Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila. With a modern Chinese organization structure, and guided with an in-depth understanding of the way Chinese merchants do business—like operating on the principle of xinyong or trustworthiness—China Bank steadily grew and flourished. However, when Japan invaded Manila in 1942, the Bank was liquidated by the Japanese Military authorities. We reopened on July 23, 1945 and played a key role in post-World War II reconstruction and economic recovery by lending heavily to businesses and entrepreneurs in critical industries.
Since then, a succession of highly capable leaders and visionaries steered the Bank into decades of successful operations. China Bank was among the first local banks listed on the Manila Stock Exchange in 1927, the first in Southeast Asia to process deposit accounts on-line in 1969, and the first to offer telephone banking in the Philippines in 1988. In 1991, we acquired our universal banking license.
Aside from growing organically, strategic acquisitions fast-tracked China Bank’s expansion. In 2007, we acquired Manila Bank and re-launched it as China Bank Savings. To further expand our branch network and presence in the middle/SME markets, we acquired Unity Bank in 2012 and Planters Development Bank in 2014.
In 2020, we marked our 100th anniversary. The restoration of China Bank’s original headquarters in Binondo, Manila was the centrepiece of our centennial celebration. The Board of Directors also approved the Centennial Stock Grant Plan, gifting China Bank Group employees with at least one year of service as of the Bank’s centenary with 100 shares for every year of service.
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, China Bank continued to support customers while sustaining strong growth. China Bank was named the Best Bank in the Philippines in 2021 by regional financial magazine The Asset. We also won the prestigious Cesar E.A. Virata Best Securities House (Bank category) award from the Philippine Dealing System (PDS), and emerged as the second strongest bank in the Philippines and among the top 20% in the Asia Pacific region in The Asian Banker’s ranking of 500 strongest banks in 2021. Our investment bank arm China Bank Capital was named as the Best Bond Adviser (Domestic) for the 6th consecutive year by The Asset, and the Top Corporate Issue Manager/Arranger (Investment House Category) by PDS.
Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION
We will be a leading provider of quality services consistently delivered to institutions, entrepreneurs, and individuals here and abroad, to meet their financial needs and exceed their rising expectations.
We will be a primary catalyst in the creation of wealth for our customers, driven by a desire to help them succeed, through a highly engaged team of competent and empowered professionals, guided by in-depth knowledge of their needs and supported by leading-edge technology.
We will maintain the highest ethical standards, sense of responsibility, and fairness with respect to our customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities we serve.
VISION
Drawing strength from our rich history, we will be the best, most admired, and innovative financial services institution, partnering with our customers, employees, and shareholders in wealth and value creation.
REVIEW OF VISION / MISSION
The Board reviews China Bank's mission and vision periodically and the corporate strategy annually. The Bank adopts a top-down approach whereby the role of the BOD is to convey the shareholders' expectations to Senior Management which in turn formulates the Bank's objectives and strategies into annual and 5-year business plan. The business plans and strategies are then presented to the Board for review and approval.
On February 1, 2023, the Bank's 2023-2027 business plans were presented to the Board. After deliberating, the directors approved Management's projections and recommendations.
The presentation and deliberation of the 2022-2026 business plans were conducted on February 2, 2022.
As an expert in the field of banking and finance, I can confidently delve into the details of the information provided about China Banking Corporation (China Bank). My expertise in this domain is substantiated by a comprehensive understanding of banking operations, financial markets, and the historical evolution of financial institutions.
China Banking Corporation, also known as China Bank, stands as a prominent private universal bank in the Philippines, boasting a remarkable legacy of over 100 years in the industry. This longevity reflects its resilience and adaptability in navigating the dynamic landscape of banking.
China Bank's expansive array of services encompasses retail banking, investment banking, and insurance, catering to a diverse clientele. The bank operates through various subsidiaries, including China Bank Savings, China Bank Capital, China Bank Securities, Resurgent Capital, China Bank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance. This diversification speaks to China Bank's commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of financial solutions.
The bank's geographical reach is extensive, with a nationwide footprint spanning 637 branches as of December 31, 2021. Complementing its physical presence, China Bank has embraced modern banking channels, such as self-service options and digital platforms like China Bank TellerPhone, China Bank Online, and the China Bank Mobile App, reflecting a commitment to innovation and customer convenience.
China Bank's historical narrative is intertwined with key milestones, including its founding in 1920 by Dee C. Chuan and Don Albino Sycip, influential figures in Philippine business and banking. The bank's resilience during challenging times, such as its reopening in 1945 post-World War II, highlights its pivotal role in the economic recovery of the Philippines.
The bank's strategic initiatives, such as being among the first to list on the Manila Stock Exchange in 1927 and acquiring universal banking license in 1991, underscore its proactive approach to growth. Notable acquisitions, such as Manila Bank, Unity Bank, and Planters Development Bank, have contributed to China Bank's expansion and market presence.
In celebrating its centennial in 2020, China Bank showcased its commitment to heritage by restoring its original headquarters in Binondo, Manila. The Centennial Stock Grant Plan, a unique initiative gifting employees with shares, reflects a balance of tradition and modern corporate practices.
Amid the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, China Bank demonstrated resilience and customer support, earning accolades such as being named the Best Bank in the Philippines in 2021 by The Asset. Recognition from the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) and The Asian Banker further attests to its financial strength and leadership.
The mission, vision, and values articulated by China Bank emphasize its commitment to providing quality services, driving wealth creation, and maintaining ethical standards. The bank envisions becoming the most admired and innovative financial institution, aligning with its rich history and a focus on collaboration with customers, employees, and shareholders.
The review of China Bank's mission and vision involves a structured process, with periodic assessments by the Board of Directors. The strategic planning process includes top-down communication, wherein shareholder expectations are conveyed to Senior Management for the formulation of objectives and strategies. The Board's role includes the review and approval of business plans and strategies, ensuring alignment with the bank's mission and vision.
As of February 1, 2023, the Board approved the 2023-2027 business plans, indicating a forward-looking approach to sustaining growth and fulfilling the bank's mission and vision. This strategic planning process underscores China Bank's commitment to adaptability, innovation, and responsiveness to the evolving financial landscape.
