A surge of investor interest has prompted Metrobank to close its offering of sustainability bonds a full week ahead of schedule. The bank, led by the Ty family, announced the early closure on Monday, signaling a remarkable appetite for these specific financial instruments.
The bonds, designated Series F ASEAN Sustainability Peso-denominated bonds, aimed to raise at least P5 billion with a fixed annual interest rate of 5.4727%. Demand from both large institutions and individual investors proved exceptionally strong, accelerating the timeline for completion.
These funds aren’t simply about bolstering the bank’s finances; they are earmarked for a specific purpose. Metrobank intends to channel the proceeds into financing or refinancing projects that demonstrably benefit the environment and society – a clear commitment to sustainable practices.
The bonds are slated for official issuance and listing on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on April 14th. Investors participated with a minimum investment of P500,000, with subsequent investments possible in increments of P100,000.
This issuance falls under Metrobank’s existing P200-billion bond and commercial paper program, initially approved in December 2021. The program provides a framework for raising capital to support the bank’s growth and strategic initiatives.
First Metro Investment Corp., ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch, and Standard Chartered Bank collaborated as joint lead managers and bookrunners, expertly navigating the offering process. ING Bank also took on the role of sustainability coordinator, ensuring alignment with responsible investment principles.
This isn’t the first time Metrobank has experienced overwhelming demand for its bond offerings. A similar scenario unfolded in October 2022, when an initial plan to raise P10 billion ballooned to P23.7 billion, also leading to an early closure.
The previous bond issuance was primarily used to address general capital requirements and refinance existing debts. This latest offering, however, emphasizes a dedicated focus on environmentally and socially responsible lending.
Metrobank’s strong financial performance, highlighted by a record net income of P49.7 billion in 2025, likely contributed to investor confidence. This success is built on consistent loan growth and substantial trading gains.
The positive news surrounding the bond offering coincided with a significant increase in the bank’s share price on Tuesday. Shares rose by P2.55, representing a nearly 4% jump, closing at P66.40 each – a clear indication of market optimism.
