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A History of Firsts

Established in 1851, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) was the first bank in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. BPI's long and proud history boasts of many "firsts" in Philippine banking. BPI issued the first paper money in 1855 and introduced branch banking with the opening of its branch in Iloilo in 1897. It was also BPI that financed the first train service, the first telephone system, the first electric power utility, and the first steamship service in the Philippines. Through the years, BPI strove to deliver the highest standards of convenience banking through the ingenuity of technology and creative management. As the recognized "most technologically advanced bank", BPI introduced the first successful automated teller machine (ATM) service in the Philippines. Among BPI's other firsts are: the issuance of the first debit card, the introduction of cashless shopping with the Express Teller Card, the establishment of banking kiosks, the Express Banking Centers, the launching of telephone banking with the Express Phone, and the use of a Call Center. BPI has distinguished itself by catering to the ever-evolving needs and lifestyles of the public. Its internet-based operating platforms prove this point: BPI Express Link, BPI Express Online, BPI Express Bills and BPI Trade. The country's most financially sound bank blazed the trail with the opening of the country's first direct bank called BPI Direct and the introduction of mobile banking with the WAP technology. BPI's latest electronic innovation, the BPI Express Cash Card, allows the cardholder to shop, dine, drink and party in around 20,000 establishments nationwide. It is history and innovation that will further establish BPI as a progressive bank worthy of emulation and continued trust.

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