Metrobank provides a full range of financial services - from commercial and investment banking to trade finance, cash management, bancassurance, consumer products and leasing. It has been building capabilities over the past five years to stay ahead of evolving market needs. As a result, total assets reached 1.6 trillion pesos (HK$278 billion) last year, the highest since its founding in 1962. The bank's loans also increased by 24 per cent as deposits surged to 1.2 trillion pesos. 

In 2013, the bank's net income of 22.5 billion pesos was likewise a historic high. This coincided with an upgrade to investment-grade rating by Moody's and Fitch, placing Metrobank on par with the Philippines' sovereign credit rating. That year, the bank captured the first wave of Japanese SMEs investing in the Philippines by initiating tie-ups with Japan Finance Corporation and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. 

These Japanese government conduits paved the way for correspondent relationships with more than 35 Japanese regional banks. Japanese SMEs easily found their niche in promising local industries across the Philippines through Metrobank. 

"We also have a strong presence in Japan and, on the ground, have a dedicated Japan desk," Dee says. "Metrobank also sees opportunities for expansion in China and Taiwan. 

Through our subsidiary in China, we are able to service the needs of clients expanding there."

Metrobank was the first Philippine bank to establish a presence in China with the opening of its Shanghai branch in 1993. Five years ago, the China Banking Regulatory Commission approved the bank's incorporation of wholly owned subsidiary Metropolitan Bank (China) or MBCL, which became the first foreign bank headquartered in Nanjing. MBCL already has six branches on the mainland. It has been present in Taiwan and Hong Kong since the 1970s, with a network of 31 foreign branches globally. 

"Metrobank has grown together with its main client base," Dee says. "Today's challenge is to be more accessible as clients become more sophisticated and technologically savvy. Thus, we are expanding service delivery channels so that clients can readily access our products and services on mobile and internet platforms." 

On the regulatory front, the bank has been gearing up for Basel III, the global benchmark for banks' capital adequacy and liquidity. 

Since 2012, it has been divesting non-allied subsidiaries to raise capital efficiency. As of last year, its total capital adequacy ratio stood at 16 per cent, well above the regulatory limit, while its Common Equity Tier 1, which measures the bank's financial strength, hit 12.1 per cent. The bank has raised a total of 54.5 billion pesos to enhance capital ratios amid continuing expansion. 

With such industry leading positions, Metrobank will remain a formidable player despite increasing competition posed by Asean integration and foreign bank liberalisation. "Clients can expect us to continue being their partner as they look to fulfil their global aspirations," Dee says.