Retail banking in the Philippines is still nascent, with consumer loans accounting for only about 10% of total bank lending and less than 5% of GDP. That said, the consumption-driven nature of the economy creates strong demand for consumer loans, with personal expenditure making up 77% of GDP (Fitch Ratings (2006)). In response, the banks have recently focused aggressively on retail lending, which is experiencing growth rates of more than 10% per annum (albeit starting from a low base). However, high delinquency rates have accompanied the growth of retail lending, especially unsecured lending, where overextension of credit to low-income.
