Bank of China (Hong Kong) was awarded the Strongest Bank in Hong Kong for 2025 for its strong profitability, prudent risk governance and solid financial buffers. Hatton National Bank won the Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka for 2025 for its enhanced performance in profitability, capitalisation and asset quality. Metrobank was awarded the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 for its balanced growth, prudent risk management and operational resilience. TPBank won the Strongest Bank in Vietnam for 2025 with accelerated balance sheet growth, strengthened profitability and well-positioned capital and liquidity. Singapore, 21 November 2025 – Bank of China (Hong Kong), Hatton National Bank, Metrobank and TPBank were recognised for their strengths in the scale and growth of balance sheet, risk management, profitability and sustainability, strengths and credibility of loans issued and liquidity of assets to meet adverse conditions. Strongest Bank in Hong Kong for 2025 Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Strongest Bank in Hong Kong for 2025, demonstrates market competitiveness and financial robustness, supported by strategic positioning and cross-border strengths, including strong links with the Chinese mainland and an expanding presence in Southeast Asia. It has strengthened its core operations and infrastructure, diversified revenue streams and advanced digital and green initiatives to drive sustainable growth. Bank of China (Hong Kong) excelled in profitability, with a return on assets of 1%, a cost-to-income ratio of 25% and non-interest income accounting for 34% of total operating income in 2024. Its cost-to-income ratio remained at a satisfactory level compared with industry peers, backed by disciplined cost control and strategic technology investments that enhance operational efficiency. Despite industry-wide pressure from real estate loans, the gross non-performing loan ratio held steady at 1%, well below the sector average, highlighting rigorous credit oversight. Capital and liquidity positions remain strong, with the total capital ratio rising from 21.2% at the end of the previous year to 22% at the end of 2024, an average value of liquidity coverage ratio of 201% in the fourth quarter of 2024, and a net stable funding ratio of 142% at the end of 2024, providing ample buffers against potential risks. Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka for 2025 Hatton National Bank, the Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka, has made notable progress across its core businesses while expanding financial inclusion. With a clear focus on digital transformation and a solid foundation, the bank capitalised on emerging opportunities amid improving economic conditions in 2024. Its modernisation efforts, from enhanced infrastructure and automation to broader use of technology, lifted efficiency and access, improving the banking experience and underlining its long-term commitment to sustainable growth. Its balance sheet expanded strongly, and CASA deposits reached the highest level in a decade, reinforcing customer confidence. Net fee and commission income grew substantially, driven by higher card usage and a rise in digital transactions. The restructuring of International Sovereign Bonds, which reversed prior provisions, boosted profitability and lifted return on assets to 2.1%. Capitalisation was also strong, with a total capital adequacy ratio of 24% supported by higher profitability, a Tier II infusion and the tax benefit from the reversal of provisions on the bonds. Asset quality improved through prudent underwriting and active recoveries, while liquidity remained robust. Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 Metrobank, the Strongest Bank in the Philippines, has achieved robust balance sheet growth while maintaining high asset quality, a solid capital position and strong liquidity. As the nation’s second-largest private universal bank by assets, it leverages economies of scale, an extensive branch and digital network and well-established corporate and institutional relationships. These strengths support sustainable and inclusive growth. The bank achieved balanced loan expansion, with commercial lending rising by 18% and consumer lending by 14% in 2024, while the non-performing loan ratio fell further to 1.4%, down from 1.7% the previous year and well below the 3.1% average among all ranked Philippine banks. This allowed the bank to reduce provisions by 29% in 2024, freeing capital for additional lending and investments, while maintaining the highest provision coverage ratio among all ranked Philippine banks. In addition, current and savings accounts accounted for 58% of total deposits, providing a stable and cost-efficient funding base. Liquidity remained robust, with a liquidity coverage ratio of 256% and a net stable funding ratio of 161%, bolstering the bank’s capacity to absorb shocks and support growth. Strongest Bank in Vietnam for 2025 TPBank, the Strongest Bank in Vietnam has delivered robust financial performance, supported by initiatives that enhance the banking experience through digital innovation, customer-centric solutions and strategic partnerships providing both financial resources and operational expertise. Its expanding digital ecosystem and personalised services have increased customer satisfaction, boosted growth in users and transactions and improved operational efficiency. The bank achieved accelerated deposit growth of 17% in 2024, with a current account and savings account ratio among the highest in the industry, further strengthening its funding base. Lending growth also rose to 22%, with advanced technology optimising lending operations and improving the customer experience. These efforts contributed to higher profitability, with net profit increasing by 36% and return on assets rising to 1.6% from 1.3% in the previous year. Meanwhile, the bank reduced its cost-to-income ratio to 36% through automation, process enhancements and ongoing efficiency initiatives. Revenue diversification also improved, with non-interest income accounting for 26% of total operating income compared with the 17% average among all ranked Vietnamese banks. Additionally, its capitalisation and liquidity remained solid, providing a foundation for continued growth and operational resilience. Complete Winner List World’s Strongest Bank Ranking Awards Strongest Bank in Hong Kong for 2025 - Bank of China (Hong Kong) Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka for 2025 - Hatton National Bank Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 - Metrobank Strongest Bank in Vietnam for 2025 - TPBank About TAB Global TAB Global owns and manages a number of world-class digital content platforms namely, The Asian Banker, Wealth and Society, BankQuality.com as well as learning platforms like The Banking Academy and The Skill Store. Incorporated in Singapore, it has offices in Beijing, Dubai and support offices in Kuala Lumpur and Manila, with plans to expand to Johannesburg, London, Zurich and New York. Visit https://www.tab.global/ for details. For media enquiries, please contact: Genivi Factao Editor TAB Global Email: gfactao@tab.global
