The upgrade lets the branch offer broader financial solutions to corporations and institutions, moving up from the commercial banking status it held since 1995.
The BSP’s Monetary Board approved MUFG’s request through Resolution No. 438, dated May 21, 2026, and the central bank issued the corresponding Certificate of Authority on June 5, according to BusinessWorld.
MUFG Manila began operating as a universal bank on September 1, continuing under the same corporate name.
Masami Yoshitake
“Securing our universal banking license is not only a regulatory milestone, but also a testament to MUFG’s enduring commitment to the Philippines,” said Masami Yoshitake, MUFG Manila Managing Director and Country Head.
“With this license, we can bring the full breadth of MUFG’s global expertise to support local clients, foster innovation in financial solutions and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable growth journey.”
MUFG’s roots in the Philippines date back to 1953, when its predecessor entity opened a representative office in Manila.
It was granted offshore banking unit status in 1977, before obtaining a full commercial banking licence in 1995.
As of end-March 2026, MUFG Manila ranked as the 18th largest bank in the Philippines’ universal and commercial banking sector by assets, with PHP 155.2 billion.
MUFG also maintains a strategic partnership with Security Bank Corp, acquiring a 20% stake in the Philippine lender in 2016 for approximately PHP 36.94 billion, covering cooperation in trade financing, project financing and long-term funding.
