March 3, 2025
Bank of Makati, Inc. (BMI) is shifting its strategy toward financial inclusion by planning to open 40 “branch-lite” units across the Philippines. This move aims to reach the unbanked and underserved populations, particularly in rural areas that lack access to formal financial systems.
Key Strategic Goals
Targeting the Unbanked: With roughly 70% of Filipino families (16.1 million) lacking bank deposits as of 2015, BMI aims to bridge this gap.
Cost-Efficiency: BMI President Luis M. Chua noted that “branch-lite” units—smaller, simplified versions of traditional branches—are more economical to deploy than full-scale brick-and-mortar locations.
Leveraging New Regulations: BMI is taking advantage of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rules that allow for these smaller units and the use of cash agents (third-party outlets like pharmacies and convenience stores).
Competitive Edge: The bank aims for a “first-mover” advantage in reaching rural clients under the more relaxed regulatory environment.
link from http://bworldonline.com/bank-makati-open-40-branch-lite-offices/ 13-Mar-18