Expanding Presence: RCBC Plans to Launch Additional Branches in Cebu Amidst Growing Digital Banking Trend
RCBC Expands in Visayas with a Dual-Pronged Strategy
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is making a significant move in the Visayas region, combining substantial investments in digital banking with a continued rollout of physical branches. This dual-track expansion strategy aims to capture growth in a dynamic regional economy, targeting both tech-savvy customers through digital channels and traditional clients through brick-and-mortar branches [1][4].
The expansion, particularly in Cebu and Central Visayas, is driven by the region's strong consumer spending, growing business base, and high employment rates. RCBC's President and CEO, Reginaldo Cariaso, emphasises that Cebu's economic hub status makes it a key driver of national growth [1].
The digital banking focus improves accessibility for a wider market, while new branches handle complex transactions and foster relationships with high-value clients. This strategy positions RCBC as a visible and committed partner in the Visayas community rather than just an external bank with branches there [4].
RCBC's commitment to maintaining a visible presence on the ground in Cebu is evident in the opening of a branch inside the Cebu Light Industrial Park in Lapu-Lapu City this year. The branch provides cash management and payroll solutions to hundreds of employees [6].
Despite the digital push, RCBC values its brick-and-mortar presence for complex transactions and communities with growing digital literacy. The bank will open two more branches in the province of Cebu within the next 12 months, in Carcar and Bogo [3].
RCBC's digital transactions increased by 38% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reflecting the success of its digital banking efforts. The bank's mobile app has undergone continuous upgrades, making digital banking more accessible and convenient for its customers [2].
RCBC has been recognised as the "Best Bank for Digital" in Asia for six consecutive years by Euromoney, further validating its digital banking capabilities [5]. The bank sees tremendous potential in Cebu's strong retail base, expanding business base, and high-net-worth individuals [1].
The Visayas expansion is part of RCBC's broader goal of financial inclusion, targeting not just affluent clients but also emerging market segments. This approach aligns with RCBC's vision of being a partner in progress for the Cebu community [1].
With Reginaldo Cariaso at the helm, effective July 1, RCBC operates 25 branches in Cebu and 58 across the Visayas, positioning itself for continued growth and success in the region.
[1] Philippine Star. (2025, June 1). RCBC eyes Visayas for expansion. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/06/01/2061338/rcbc-eyes-visayas-expansion
[2] BusinessWorld. (2025, May 15). RCBC's digital transactions up 38% in H1. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/rcbc-digital-transactions-up-38-in-h1/
[3] Manila Bulletin. (2025, July 1). RCBC to open more branches in Cebu. Retrieved from https://www.manilabulletin.com/2025/07/01/rcbc-to-open-more-branches-in-cebu/
[4] GMA News Online. (2025, June 15). RCBC's dual-pronged approach in Visayas expansion. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/business/companies/767718/rcbcs-dual-pronged-approach-in-visayas-expansion/story/
[5] Euromoney. (2025). Best Bank for Digital, Asia: Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Retrieved from https://www.euromoney.com/awards/worlds-best-banks/2025/winners/best-bank-for-digital-asia-rizal-commercial-banking-corp
[6] SunStar Cebu. (2025, April 1). RCBC opens branch inside Cebu Light Industrial Park. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1898484/Cebu/Local-News/RCBC-opens-branch-inside-Cebu-Light-Industrial-Park
- RCBC is expanding in Cebu and Central Visayas, aiming to tap into the region's strong consumer spending, growing business base, and high employment rates, with an emphasis on both technology-savvy customers through digital banking and traditional clients via brick-and-mortar branches.
- As part of its ongoing Visayas expansion, RCBC plans to open two more branches in the province of Cebu within the next 12 months, in addition to the established presence at the Cebu Light Industrial Park, providing cash management and payroll solutions.
- Despite the significant investments in digital banking, RCBC acknowledges the importance of maintaining its physical branches for complex transactions and fostering relationships with high-value clients, positioning itself as a visible and committed partner in the Visayas community.
