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BDO Unibank

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
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
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