In a recent survey conducted by the Chamber of Thrift Banks among its 38 member banks, more than half—20 respondents—reported an average of 38.4 years in operation. At 28 years of age, Citystate Savings Bank, now more popularly known as CSBank, is one of the younger players. By design, it’s also more upwardly mobile and internationally agile.
Just last month, CSBank obtained a Certificate of Eligibility from the BSP—marking the first hurdle in its digital banking journey. The end goal of securing an EPFS (Electronic Payments and Financial Services) license also happens to be a key requirement of its third-party investor, whose 26.3% buy-in was approved by the Monetary Board in May 2025. The alignment of business priorities and strategies with Hong Kong-based CSC Holdings Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary CS Capital Investment Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, promises to be an inflection point in CSBank’s steady ascent toward prudent growth and sustained profitability.
CSBank’s H1 resources grew to P7.45 billion from P6.39 billion in 2024, an almost 17% increase. Deposits swelled by 18% to P5.92 billion, while Net Loans and Receivables perked up by 11%. Net Income shot up to P125.95 million from a P10.32 million deficit during the same period last year.
For the remainder of 2025, CSBank is preparing for the full migration to a new core banking system, as well as the soft launch of CSBank Mobile and the opening of a couple of new branches or branch-lite units (subject to regulatory approval)—in true hybrid banking fashion.
In the 28th verse of the Good Book, we read: “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it’” (Genesis 1:28). CSBank has committed its ways to our Lord Jesus Christ and will continue to trust in God for its future growth—both within the ALC Group ecosystem and in the broader local and, eventually, regional financial landscape.
Onwards and upwards, CSBank!
Citystate Savings Bank is part of the ALC Group of Companies, founded by the late Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and is currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
