Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on Friday, May 22, 2026, committed to further expanding access to financial services following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that revealed increased financial account ownership among Filipinos.
Survey Highlights Growth in Account Ownership
In a news release, the BSP cited the SWS survey conducted in the first quarter of 2026, which showed that 58 percent of adults aged 18 and older now own a financial account. This marks a significant increase from the 51 percent recorded for the same age group in the 2025 BSP Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey.
The central bank noted that the rise in account ownership was observed across all geographic areas, income groups, and education levels. Additionally, about one in three respondents without an account reported that another household member owns one.
E-Money and Bank Account Adoption
The survey also found that 43 percent of adult respondents own an electronic money (e-money) account, while 21 percent have a bank account. Among those without a financial account, the most common barriers cited included lack of money, unemployment, and limited knowledge of how to open an account.
Governor Remolona emphasized the central bank's commitment to broadening access to financial services. "This will enable more Filipinos to save, manage their expenses, and improve their overall financial health," he said.
