Financial inclusion in the Philippines surges to 58% in early 2026
Over half of Filipino adults now hold formal financial accounts, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The findings show a clear rise in account ownership, reaching 58 percent among those aged 18 and above in early 2026. This marks a notable increase from the 51 percent recorded in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) 2025 report. The latest SWS survey revealed that 43 percent of adults own an e-money account, while 21 percent have a traditional bank account. Ownership grew across different regions, income levels, and education backgrounds. Among those without accounts, roughly one in three stated that another household member already has one.
Respondents without financial accounts pointed to lack of funds, unemployment, and insufficient knowledge as key obstacles. The BSP has used these survey results to adjust its financial education efforts and assess the impact of its programs. To further boost inclusion, the central bank continues pushing initiatives like the Paleng-QR Ph Plus programme. The SWS data also highlighted improvements in financial literacy, supporting the BSP’s ongoing work in this area.
The rise in account ownership reflects broader access to financial services among Filipinos. The BSP’s strategies, including education campaigns and digital payment schemes, aim to address remaining barriers. These efforts are expected to expand financial inclusion further in the coming years.
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