The Philippine Star

BSP to banks: Submit enhanced reports on interest rates

- – Lawrence Agcaoili

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has ordered big banks to submit enhanced reports on interest rates on loans and deposits for better monitoring and transparen­cy.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said the enhanced and simplified reporting templates seek to capture relevant granularit­y for effective monitoring and transparen­cy requiremen­t.

“The enhanced structure requires greater granularit­y on the data reported that is expected to contribute to enhanced monitoring and analysis of the BSP as well as provide the public with more informatio­n in making decisions,” Fonacier said.

The new rules requires big banks to disclose interest rates on actual loans granted and deposits generated classified as to product types, maturity period/terms, and size of deposits as of a given reference period.

The regulator said the data on bank interest rates on loans and deposits are published on the BSP website on a regular basis providing consumers with more valuable informatio­n to compare costs and evaluate their needs based on the best loans and deposits products available to them.

“The compilatio­n and publicatio­n of bank interest rates on loans and deposits are aligned with the internatio­nal best practice and likewise supports the BSP’s thrust to promote greater financial literacy, consumer protection, and market transparen­cy in the industry,” the BSP said.

The full implementa­tion of the enhanced reporting requiremen­ts of big banks is scheduled on March 1.

Bank lending grew at a slower rate of 15.6 percent in December as disburseme­nts reached P8.33 trillion in 2018 from P7.2 trillion in 2017.

The growth in lending to the real estate sector eased further to 11.1 percent to P1.44 trillion for a 16.8 percent share followed by the wholesale and retail trade as well as repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle­s that also slowed down to 15.2 percent to P1.16 trillion for a 13.9 percent share.

On the other hand, disburseme­nts to manufactur­ing companies grew by a slower rate at 13.1 percent to P1.07 trillion accounting for 12.8 percent of the total loans, while the amount disbursed to the electricit­y, gas, steam and airconditi­oning supply accelerate­d by 12 percent to P929.7 billion for an 11.2 percent share.

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