Strategic alliance expands access to capital, deepens regional integration, and advances sustainable finance
Security Bank Corporation and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) are marking a decade of strategic partnership that has helped connect Philippine clients to global capital, deepen regional connectivity, and support sustainable growth.
The partnership reflects Security Bank’s commitment to BetterBanking—delivering simpler, faster, and more connected banking experiences for clients operating across markets.
The milestone comes as the Philippines assumes the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, underscoring the growing role of financial institutions in linking global capital to regional opportunity and supporting cross-border growth.
It also coincides with a milestone year for both institutions—Security Bank’s 75th anniversary, MUFG Manila’s 73rd year in the country, and the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations.
Security Bank was the first Philippine bank to establish an equity partnership with a major Japanese global bank, expanding access to international networks, expertise, and capital as Filipino companies increasingly looked beyond domestic markets.
In 2016, Security Bank Corporation and MUFG Bank sealed its strategic partnership. Pictured L-R Alberto S. Villarosa, Chairman, Security Bank from 2015 to 2023; Frederick Y. Dy, Chairman Emeritus, Security Bank; Go Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer for Asia and Oceania at MUFG Bank from 2013-2016
“Our partnership with MUFG enables us to deliver BetterBanking at scale—making it simpler and faster for our clients to access capital, expand across markets, and execute on their growth strategies,” said Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Bank. “Through MUFG’s network and its Partner Banks across ASEAN, we can support clients as they invest and operate beyond borders. As regional integration accelerates, this connectivity becomes even more critical.”
Enabling investment and industry growth
Over the past decade, the partnership has supported inbound investment and industry development by connecting global investors with opportunities in the Philippines.
“Our collaboration with Security Bank, since the start of our partnership in 2016, reflects a shared commitment to supporting clients as they invest and grow in the Philippines and across ASEAN,” said Masatoshi Komoriya, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Executive, Global Commercial Banking Business Unit, MUFG. “By combining local market insight with MUFG’s global network and regional partnerships, we will continue contribute to sustainable economic development across the region.”
Key examples include:
- Automotive financing: Through MUFG’s network, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the 2nd largest in the Philippine market, and Security Bank established Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines Inc. in 2025, expanding financing access for dealers and customers and supporting the brand’s growth in the country.
- Industrial investment: Security Bank Capital advised Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co. Ltd. on its investment in Philcement Corporation, contributing to capacity-building in the local cement industry and development of social infrastructure.
- Investment promotion: Security Bank, MUFG, and the Board of Investments (BOI) signed memoranda of understanding in 2018 and 2023 to attract foreign investment, enhance competitiveness, and support job creation.
Extending reach through MUFG’s ASEAN partner network
From left: Jin Yoshida, Global Alliance Strategy Director, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk; Bunsei Okubo, Head of Japanese Corporate and Multinational Corporate Banking, Bank of Ayudhya PCL; Kenichi Yamato, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Ayudhya PCL; Yasushi Itagaki, Deputy President, MUFG Bank Ltd.; Masakazu Osawa, Managing Executive Officer & Regional Executive for Asia Pacific, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Hirofumi Umeno, MUFG Business Development Head, Security Bank Corporation; and Nguyen Dinh Vinh, Deputy General Director, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, during the MOU signing of the ASEAN Link collaboration in 2024.
A key strength of the partnership is access to MUFG’s regional partner bank network—including Krungsri in Thailand, Danamon in Indonesia and VietinBank in Vietnam—helping clients navigate Southeast Asia more seamlessly.
Through this network, Security Bank has facilitated client referrals, business matching, and cross-border financing opportunities—helping Philippine companies expand regionally, while supporting international firms entering the Philippine market.
In 2025, the ecosystem expanded further through a multilateral initiative with MUFG, the Department of Trade and Industry, Krungsri, MUFG Innovation Partners and Krungsri Finnovate to support startups and enable regional business matching.
Broadening impact through expanded partnerships
Beyond core banking collaboration, the Security Bank–MUFG alliance has enabled a broader set of partnerships that offers expanded and advanced financial services across its retail customer base in the Philippines.
A key example is SB Finance, supported by Krungsri and Security Bank, which has expanded consumer lending and financial inclusion in the Philippines and reflects how the partnership has grown beyond traditional banking.
The broader ecosystem also includes collaborations across digital platforms and payments, including Grab, Akulaku, MarCoPay, GCash and Home Credit, reflecting a shared focus on responsible growth in consumer and digital finance.
Advancing sustainable financing at scale
Sustainable finance has become a key pillar of the partnership, supporting the Philippines’ transition to a low-carbon economy.
In 2023, Security Bank established its Sustainable Finance Framework, drawing on MUFG’s global expertise to expand financing solutions for projects with environmental and social impact.
A recent example is the joint financing of pumped storage renewable energy developments of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. (Prime Infra), where Security Bank acted as an arranger and lender alongside MUFG as a green loan coordinator.
Looking ahead
MUFG’s continued focus on Asia positions the partnership to further support Filipino clients’ access to global and regional markets.
The expected visit to Manila in June 2026 of MUFG President and Chief Executive Officer Masakazu Osawa further reflects the depth and momentum of the relationship in this milestone year.
As regional integration accelerates, Security Bank and MUFG remain focused on what this partnership has always been about: connecting clients to opportunity, expanding access to capital, and helping power the Philippines’ next chapter of growth.