Led by Judy Hao, the team at Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALaw) has a solid reputation for its advice to many banking clients on a variety of regulatory and compliance matters. It is well-regarded for its work on preparing loan, financing and security agreements as well as other debt instruments (such as advising on the issuance of notes). The group is also skilled in helping both local and foreign borrowers and lenders. Andre Navato is another key figure, who advises both borrowers and lenders on loan agreements and security documents.

Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad is regularly retained by many leading local and foreign banks and financial institutions to advise on various matters. The agile team has particular expertise in providing regulatory advice and is adept at advising on loan syndications in addition to acquisition and project financing work; the group also assists with debt restructuring matters. Mark Vergara has considerable strength in project finance, while Manuel Gonzalez is recognised for his work on project finance and public infrastructure projects. Rosalia S. Bartolome-Alejo is a known name for her work on debt restructuring, consumer banking, credit card operations and credit and security transactions, while Erika Paulino is well-regarded for her work on project and corporate financing mandates. Elmer Serrano is now at Serrano Law.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan fields a versatile team that is well-equipped to advise foreign and local banks and financial institutions in addition to borrowers and issuers on the full spectrum of issues. It regularly advises on acquisition and project financing work, syndicated loans and refinancings as well as the issuance of securities, corporate notes and bonds. The practice is also well-placed to advise on renewable energy projects, infrastructure and real estate developments. Under the leadership of Vicente Gerochi, the group also has niche expertise in aviation financing as well as e-money, cryptocurrency and different payment services. Jan Celine Abaño-Ranada has extensive experience in project financing matters including hotel, gaming and real estate developments. Bhong Paulo Macasaet is also recommended. Senior partner Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo retired in August 2022.

With Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan at the helm, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s banking and finance practice focuses on transactional work. The skilled team regularly acts for local and international borrowers and lenders on major financing transactions and regulatory issues, and is recommended for its work on the financing aspects of energy and infrastructure projects as well for its work on green financing mandates. The group also has considerable experience in assisting technology companies. Annalisa J. Carlota is a project and finance lawyer who is experienced in energy and infrastructure developments in the Philippines and Asia.

Ramil Bugayong, Pearl Grace Cabali and Elaine Marie Laceda lead the banking and finance practice at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices, which has an excellent reputation for its work on a broad range of matters such as advising on the securitisation of bonds and key M&A deals. It is also recommended for its work on the sale and purchase of distressed assets and for its capital markets expertise.

The team at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) has recently advised on some large cross-border project financing agreements and has also been busy providing regulatory advice on a range of financial services products to ensure compliance with various government agencies including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The team, which is led by Raoul Angangco, Sylvette Tankiang and Franchette Acosta, is also increasingly advising on data privacy issues that arise for banking and non-bank financial institutions. Another core area of focus is advising foreign businesses on the procedures for setting up financial services companies locally.

The banking and finance practice at Abuda Asis & Associates has a strong focus on energy and project finance mandates and has recently been advising lenders and project developers on several energy projects. The group also has considerable strength in water infrastructure projects and is currently acting as lead counsel on a number of bulk water supply and wastewater sanitation joint venture projects with local government units and water utility companies. Cornelio Abuda, Jehremiah C. Asis and Jose Jaime V. Cruz head up the practice.

Disini & Disini Law Office works with universal banks and digital banks as well as remittance companies and electronic money issuers. Under the direction of JJ Disini, the team is equally as adept at working with traditional banks as those that are engaged in blockchain and cryptocurrency matters, and regularly advises local and international technology platforms on their expansion into payments and virtual assets products. The practice is also recommended for its work with clients on a range of dispute resolution, regulatory and compliance matters. Special counsel Louis Marshall Lo joined the practice recently from an in-house position.

The banking and finance practice at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra spans both regulatory and transactional work as well as advising on all aspects of digital banking for a broad client base including fintech companies. Head of the department is Mark Gorriceta who is the firm’s managing partner. Anthony Edsel Tupaz and Kristine Torres also play a pivotal role in the practice.

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a diverse banking practice that is increasingly advising on cross-border security agreements as well as advising clients in the digital banking sector. It is also skilled at handling the financing aspects of public-private partnerships and project financing matters (especially those involving infrastructure financing). Aris Gulapa and Jose Maria Angel Machuca co-head the practice.