Companies/Philippines • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The corporate history of BDO Unibank, the largest bank in the Philippines, tracing its founding by Henry Sy in 1968, key mergers and acquisitions, technological innovations, and milestones in financial performance and market standing on the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Chronological Storyline (41 Milestones)
1906 CE
Equitable Banking Corporation Founded
Founded as a small savings bank, Equitable Banking Corporation grew to become a major commercial bank. It later merged with PCIB in 1996 to form Equitable PCI Bank, a precursor to BDO Unibank. #history #philippines
1946 CE
Philippine Commercial and Industrial Bank Founded
PCIB was established and later became the Philippine Commercial International Bank. It merged with Equitable Banking in 1996 to form Equitable PCI Bank, a key predecessor of BDO Unibank. #history #philippines
Jan 2, 1968 CE
Banco de Oro Savings and Mortgage Bank Established
Henry Sy, founder of SM Group, establishes Banco de Oro Savings and Mortgage Bank with a small capital. It initially focused on savings and mortgage services, laying the foundation for BDO Unibank. #founding #philippines
Banco de Oro Savings and Mortgage Bank Established By Mabuhaycalauag1995 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148012897
1976 CE
Converted to Commercial Bank
Banco de Oro receives a commercial banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, allowing it to expand its services beyond savings and mortgages. This marked a key milestone in its growth. #banking #philippines
1996 CE
Equitable and PCIB Merge to Form Equitable PCI Bank
Equitable Banking Corporation merges with Philippine Commercial International Bank to form Equitable PCI Bank, one of the largest banks in the Philippines at the time. This set the stage for a later merger with BDO. #mergers #philippines
Apr 24, 2002 CE
Initial Public Offering on PSE
Banco de Oro lists on the Philippine Stock Exchange via an initial public offering, raising capital to fund expansion. The IPO was well-received, marking the bank's transition to a publicly traded company. #finance #IPO
2005 CE
BDO and Equitable PCI Merger Talks Begin
BDO initiates discussions with Equitable PCI Bank about a potential merger, aiming to create a larger, more competitive banking institution. The talks culminate in a landmark deal the following year. #mergers #philippines
Nov 17, 2006 CE
Merger Announcement with Equitable PCI Bank
BDO and Equitable PCI Bank formally announce a merger agreement, with BDO as the surviving entity. The deal is valued at PHP 8.1 billion and creates the largest bank in the Philippines by assets. #mergers #finance
May 15, 2007 CE
BDO Unibank Established After Merger Completion
The merger between Banco de Oro and Equitable PCI Bank is completed, forming BDO Unibank, Inc. The combined entity becomes the largest bank in the Philippines with over 600 branches. #mergers #philippines
Sep 1, 2008 CE
Launch of BDO Online Banking
BDO Unibank introduces online banking services, allowing customers to manage accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills via the internet. This enhanced digital convenience for a growing customer base. #digital #banking
2009 CE
Acquisition of Philippine Savings Bank
BDO acquires Philippine Savings Bank (PSB), a thrift bank with a strong network in the Visayas and Mindanao. This acquisition expands BDO's reach in regional markets. #acquisition #philippines
Jan 1, 2010 CE
BDO Relocates Headquarters to BDO Corporate Center
BDO Unibank moves its headquarters to the BDO Corporate Center in Makati City, a state-of-the-art building that consolidates operations and improves efficiency. #infrastructure #philippines
Mar 1, 2011 CE
Acquires Assets from Export and Industry Bank
BDO acquires selected assets and liabilities of Export and Industry Bank (EIB) from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, strengthening its loan portfolio and branch network. #acquisition #finance
Jun 1, 2011 CE
BDO Insurance Brokers Established
BDO establishes BDO Insurance Brokers, Inc. to offer non-life insurance products, diversifying its financial services and providing cross-selling opportunities. #expansion #insurance
Jan 1, 2012 CE
BDO Stock Split (2-for-1)
BDO Unibank executes a 2-for-1 stock split to improve liquidity and make shares more affordable for retail investors on the Philippine Stock Exchange. #finance #stockmarket
Jul 1, 2013 CE
Acquisition of One Network Bank
BDO acquires One Network Bank, a rural bank with extensive operations in Mindanao, to strengthen its presence in underserved areas. This acquisition supports financial inclusion. #acquisition #ruralbanking
Mar 1, 2014 CE
Launch of BDO Mobile Banking App
BDO introduces its first mobile banking application for iOS and Android, allowing customers to perform transactions on the go. The app quickly gains popularity, driving digital adoption. #digital #banking
Sep 1, 2014 CE
Opens Representative Office in Hong Kong
BDO Unibank opens a representative office in Hong Kong to support trade finance and remittance services for overseas Filipino workers and corporate clients in the region. #international #expansion
May 1, 2015 CE
BDO Reaches PHP 1 Trillion in Assets
BDO Unibank becomes the first Philippine bank to surpass PHP 1 trillion in total assets, cementing its position as the country's largest bank by asset size. #finance #milestone
Nov 1, 2015 CE
BDO Inks Partnership with Visa
BDO partners with Visa to expand its credit card offerings and debit card services, launching co-branded cards and promoting cashless transactions. #partnership #creditcards
Mar 1, 2016 CE
Named Largest Philippine Bank by Assets
BDO Unibank is officially recognized as the largest bank in the Philippines by total assets, surpassing competitors like Metrobank and BPI. #finance #ranking
Jun 1, 2016 CE
Launch of Contactless Payments (Tap and Go)
BDO introduces contactless payment technology for its credit and debit cards, enabling faster, secure tap-and-go transactions at point-of-sale terminals. #technology #payments
Jan 1, 2017 CE
Acquisition of BDO Private Bank
BDO consolidates its wealth management arm by acquiring BDO Private Bank (formerly a separate entity), integrating high-net-worth services into the main bank. #acquisition #wealthmanagement
Aug 1, 2017 CE
Opens First Overseas Branch in Singapore
BDO Unibank opens a full-service branch in Singapore, its first overseas branch, serving OFWs and corporate clients in Southeast Asia. #international #expansion
Jan 2, 2018 CE
Celebrates 50th Anniversary
BDO Unibank marks its 50th anniversary with a series of events and corporate social responsibility initiatives, reflecting on its growth from a small savings bank to a financial powerhouse. #anniversary #philippines
Oct 1, 2018 CE
Acquires Rural Bank of Bayawan
BDO expands its rural banking network by acquiring the Rural Bank of Bayawan, strengthening its presence in the Visayas. #acquisition #ruralbanking
Jan 19, 2019 CE
Founder Henry Sy Passes Away
Henry Sy, the founder of SM Group and BDO Unibank, dies at age 94. His legacy includes transforming BDO into the country's largest bank and pioneering retail and banking synergies. #obituary #philippines
Founder Henry Sy Passes Away By Avito C. Dalan for the Philippine News Agency - Philippine News Agency, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76003051
Jul 1, 2019 CE
Launch of BDO Pay Digital Wallet
BDO introduces BDO Pay, a digital wallet and payment app that integrates with the bank's accounts and allows QR code payments, part of its digital transformation strategy. #digital #payments
Mar 1, 2020 CE
Pandemic Response: Loan Relief and Digital Acceleration
In response to COVID-19, BDO offers loan payment moratoriums and ramps up digital banking services, seeing a surge in online transactions. The bank also supports government relief programs. #covid19 #banking
Dec 1, 2020 CE
BDO Unibank Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
BDO is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for emerging markets, recognizing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. #sustainability #ESG
Apr 1, 2021 CE
BDO Network Bank Merger
BDO merges its rural banking subsidiaries into BDO Network Bank, a unified entity focused on countryside banking and financial inclusion. #mergers #ruralbanking
Sep 1, 2021 CE
BDO Capital Corp. Expands Investment Banking
BDO's investment banking arm, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, leads several landmark bond issuances and initial public offerings, strengthening its position in Philippine capital markets. #investmentbanking #finance
Mar 1, 2022 CE
BDO Unibank Reaches PHP 2 Trillion in Assets
BDO's total assets exceed PHP 2 trillion, doubling in size since 2015, reflecting continued growth through organic expansion and acquisitions. #finance #milestone
May 1, 2022 CE
Branch Network Reaches 1,200
BDO Unibank expands its branch network to 1,200 branches nationwide, making it one of the most geographically diverse banks in the Philippines. #expansion #banking
Jul 1, 2022 CE
BDO Declares Stock Dividends
BDO Unibank announces stock dividends to reward shareholders, reflecting strong financial performance and capital position. #finance #dividends
Jan 1, 2023 CE
Nestor Tan Continues as CEO
Nestor Tan remains President and CEO, leading BDO's strategic direction including digital transformation and sustainable finance. #leadership #philippines
May 1, 2023 CE
Receives Digital Banking License from BSP
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas grants BDO a digital banking license, allowing it to operate a fully digital bank under the BDO Digital Bank brand. #digitalbanking #regulation
Oct 1, 2023 CE
BDO Issues First Green Bond
BDO Unibank issues its first green bond, raising PHP 15 billion to finance renewable energy and other sustainable projects, underlining its commitment to ESG. #finance #sustainability
Feb 1, 2024 CE
Launch of BDO Remit App for OFWs
BDO launches a dedicated remittance app for overseas Filipino workers, offering lower fees and real-time transfers from abroad. #remittances #digital
Jun 1, 2024 CE
BDO Unibank Reports Record Net Income
BDO announces a record net income of PHP 60 billion for the fiscal year, driven by strong lending growth and fee income, reinforcing its market leadership. #finance #earnings
Sep 1, 2024 CE
BDO Digital Bank Goes Live
BDO's full-fledged digital bank begins operations, offering a paperless, branchless banking experience with competitive interest rates and seamless online account opening. #digitalbanking #innovation