BPI Family maintains thrift bank leadership

MANILA, Philippines - BPI Family Savings Bank, the consumer lending arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands, has maintained its leadership position in the thrift bank industry in 2013, with total loans amounting to P147 billion.

In its annual report, BPI Family said the loans level last year was 16 percent higher than a year ago.

Its home loan portfolio grew19 percent, while homeland releases expanded 17 percent.

In the first half of this year, strategic partnership with real estate organizations were forged, which made possible, among other things, linking to each other’s website to help complete the process of home acquisition.

Potential homebuyers can, through a partner real estate firm’s website, use a home mortgage calculator powered by the bank.

Last year, BPI Family Auto Loan’s Online Auto Financing System embedded in the websites of partner car manufacturers and dealers served to more conveniently assist potential car buyers choose the best and most suitable car financing package.

The system now offers a complete car-buying process, with its First-Car Plan offering special deals and discounted rates on starter models from partner-car makers.

BPI Family’s loans for business format franchising also registered growth in 2013.

Partnerships in the Ka-Negosyo Program have resulted in an eight percent increase in small and medium enterprise (SME) loan volume.

In line with its Ka-Negosyo Franchising Program, the bank introduced the Ka-Negosyo Franchise Finder, an interactive directory of franchise businesses that visitors could search for updated company information and franchise packages; the directory also contains an e-mail facility allowing prospective franchisees to communicate directly with the franchisor.

The bank also sustained  its Ka-Negosyo Best List of expert-evaluated accredited franchise brands, providing the public a shortlist of franchise businesses with a proven track record and business model.