RCBC Leads the Way in Sustainable Finance With Renewables

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has reached a major milestone: for the first time, its renewable energy (RE) loan portfolio has surpassed its coal exposure. This shift not only reflects RCBC’s direction but also highlights where the Philippine energy market is headed.

Over the past year, RCBC significantly scaled up financing for renewable projects. RE loans grew 80% year-over-year to P52.7 billion by the end of 2024. Today, renewables account for 44% of the bank’s sustainable finance portfolio, with 22 projects funded in 2024 compared to 14 the year prior.

The bank remains committed to phasing out coal entirely by 2031. Since 2012, it has helped finance over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of clean power capacity spanning solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal projects.

As RCBC Chief Sustainability Officer Armi Lamberte explained, “For the first time, our renewable energy portfolio has surpassed coal. The steady decline in coal exposure reflects our continued shift toward sustainable investments.”

What This Means for Investors

Energy transitions directly impact both risks and returns. Coal projects face mounting challenges—regulatory pressure, potential stranded assets, and shifting investor sentiment. Renewable projects, meanwhile, are scaling faster, becoming cheaper, and aligning with both global and local energy targets.

For discerning investors, this means:

• Reduced exposure to industries vulnerable to regulatory and environmental risks.

• Alignment with the Philippines’ goal of reaching 35% renewable energy within five years.

• Opportunity to benefit from the rapid expansion of clean energy demand.

Globally, capital is moving the same way. Development banks, institutional investors, and sovereign wealth funds are pulling back from coal while accelerating financing for renewables. Being aligned with this movement not only reduces risk but positions wealth alongside international capital flows.

For high-net-worth portfolios, renewable energy investments can also serve as a hedge against inflation and volatility. Clean energy projects are often structured with long-term contracts, providing more predictable returns than fossil fuel projects exposed to fluctuating global prices.

RCBC’s pivot shows that sustainable finance isn’t about compromising returns. It’s about positioning capital where long-term growth is strongest.

Beyond Energy: A Broader Vision

RCBC’s efforts extend beyond lending to renewable projects. The bank is deepening its social and environmental initiatives, such as its partnership with the Haribon Foundation. Through this collaboration, RCBC Hexagon Club members can directly contribute to conservation and reforestation efforts.

For clients, this creates added value: the ability to align personal wealth with meaningful impact while reinforcing RCBC’s role as a financial institution committed to sustainability.

This holistic approach, spanning clean energy, biodiversity, and community engagement, demonstrates that sustainability is not a siloed initiative. It is integrated into how RCBC thinks about value creation, risk, and legacy.

Recognition That Matters

RCBC’s strategy is gaining global recognition. The bank was recognized as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Sustainable Development in 2024 and won The Asset’s Platinum ESG Award for three years in a row. It also received honors, including the Asia CEO Awards’ Circle of Excellence Award for Sustainability Company of the Year and the 3G Eco-friendly Financial Services Award 2024.

Investors can rest easy knowing that independent groups have continually affirmed RCBC’s commitment to sustainability.

This recognition matters not only for brand reputation but for investor confidence. Awards reflect that RCBC’s strategy is aligned with global benchmarks, reducing reputational risks and reinforcing the quality of its governance.

Partner With RCBC to Secure Your Legacy

RCBC crossing the point where renewables now outweigh coal in its portfolio reflects where the smartest capital is flowing. With P52.7 billion already deployed into clean energy projects and a clear plan to exit coal by 2031, RCBC is showing that sustainability and long-term growth can go hand in hand.

For investors, the takeaway is straightforward. Coal assets face mounting risks—from regulation to declining demand—while renewable energy is proving to be a growth market backed by strong policy and global momentum. Investing alongside this trend reduces exposure to volatility and places wealth in projects that generate both returns and long-term resilience.

RCBC’s broader sustainability agenda also reinforces its credibility. Initiatives like its partnership with the Haribon Foundation highlight a vision that extends beyond financing energy projects to addressing biodiversity and community impact. Combined with international recognition and awards, this gives investors confidence that RCBC is building a track record others trust.

At its core, this shift is about legacy. High-net-worth families understand that true wealth is measured not only in financial returns but in the world they help shape. Partnering with RCBC means protecting assets while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Philippines.

Learn more about RCBC’s Sustainable Finance Programs and see how your investments can create lasting impact.