Leadership Q&A

In 2025, Security Bank delivered disciplined performance amid a challenging operating environment while strengthening the foundations for long-term growth. In this joint Leadership Q&A, Chairman Cirilo P. Noel and President and CEO Victor Lee share their perspectives on the Bank’s performance, strategic priorities, digital transformation, sustainability progress, and outlook.

Leadership Q&A

In 2025, Security Bank delivered disciplined performance amid a challenging operating environment while strengthening the foundations for long?term growth. In this joint Leadership Q&A, Chairman Cirilo P. Noel and President and CEO Victor Lee share their perspectives on the Bank’s performance, strategic priorities, digital transformation, sustainability progress, and outlook.

Security Bank delivered strong financial results in 2025. From your vantage point, what defined the Bank’s performance this year?

Noel: What defined 2025 was disciplined execution in a challenging environment. Against a backdrop of elevated funding costs, uneven economic recovery, and intense competition across key segments, the Bank remained focused on its BetterBanking fundamentals—serving customers well, managing risks prudently, and allocating capital with care.

How did partnerships and investments, particularly with Home Credit Philippines and Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines, open new opportunities this year?

Noel: These partnerships reflect our belief that collaboration is a powerful way to extend impact and create long-term value. Our 25% stake in Home Credit Philippines, completed in May 2025, deepens our participation in the fast-growing consumer finance segment and allows us to better serve the evolving needs of Filipino consumers.

Meanwhile, the launch of Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines—our joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation—enables us to support vehicle ownership through tailored financing solutions. By year-end, the venture was booking over 1,000 units monthly, or around PHP1 billion in booked value, reinforcing its strategic relevance.

Digital transformation gained traction in 2025, with the Security Bank App and digital onboarding becoming central to customer engagement. What did this shift represent for the Bank?

Noel: It marked a turning point. More importantly, this shift signaled that digital is no longer a support channel, it is now central to how we serve customers, deepen relationships, and operate efficiently across the Bank.

We also marked several milestones in 2025. How do you reflect on these achievements as you prepare to lead the Bank?

Lee: These milestones reflect trust, earned from customers, investors, partners, and regulators. Our progress in sustainable finance—including pioneering IFC Alliance membership and an MSCI ESG Rating of ‘A’—speaks to disciplined governance and responsible growth.

What do the Bank’s awards and recognition say about the organization?

Noel: They reflect consistency of governance, execution, and customer-centric innovation. Being named the Top Bank in the Philippines by TIME and Statista for the second consecutive year, alongside multiple recognitions for SME banking, governance, and capital markets excellence, affirms the standards we set for ourselves, and the trust placed in us by our stakeholders.

Beyond performance and awards, 2025 was also shaped by moments of connection. Why were these important?

Noel: These moments bring our BetterBanking purpose to life beyond the balance sheet. Events such as the 15th Economic Forum, the Abet Villarosa Cup, and the first Security Bank Polo Cup created spaces for dialogue, partnership, and shared experiences, while Security Bank Foundation’s turnover of 62 classrooms reflected our commitment to inclusive and long-term impact.

Lee: They remind us that banking is ultimately about people. Our role extends beyond transactions, to relationships, communities, and shared progress.

As you look ahead, what is your outlook for Security Bank in 2026?

Lee: I approach 2026 with focus and a clear sense of responsibility. The Bank has strengthened its operating foundations in recent years: how we serve customers, make decisions, and manage risk.

Any final thoughts on 2025?

Noel: On behalf of the Board, I thank our customers, investors, partners, and employees for their continued trust and collaboration. Together, we made 2025 a year of meaningful progress—reinforcing our belief that BetterBanking is not only possible, but essential for the future.

Lee: While I assumed the role of President and CEO in January 2026, the results in this report reflect the collective efforts of the organization throughout 2025. I look forward to carrying this work forward with the team.

2025 Integrated Report

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