BSP · Circular

BSP Circular 1211: Reduction in Reserve Requirements

Reserve requirement ratios reduced for banks and NBQBs effective 28 March 2025, with updated MORB and MORNBFI provisions.

Author: Atty. Ferdi
Published: 2025-03-11

BSP Circular No. 1211 (Series of 2025) reduces reserve requirement ratios for banks and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs). It amends MORB Section 251 and MORNBFI Section 211‑Q, with the new rates effective starting the reserve week of 28 March 2025.

Key Changes

  • Lower reserve ratios for deposit and deposit substitute liabilities of banks effective reserve week starting 28 March 2025.
  • NBQB reserve requirement reaffirmed at 5% of peso-denominated deposit substitutes, effective 28 March 2025.
  • MORB and MORNBFI updates align reserve requirements across bank categories and NBQBs.

Who Is Affected

  • Universal and commercial banks (UBs/KBs).
  • Digital banks.
  • Thrift banks (TBs).
  • Rural and cooperative banks (RBs/Coop Banks).
  • NBQBs with deposit substitute liabilities.

Effective Date & Transition

The circular takes effect 28 March 2025, following publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Compliance Actions Checklist

  • Update reserve computations to reflect the new ratios effective 28 March 2025.
  • Adjust liquidity planning for affected deposit and deposit substitute liabilities.
  • Review NBQB reserve calculations to ensure the 5% peso‑denominated DS ratio is applied.
  • Coordinate treasury and reporting teams on reserve week implementation.

FAQs

When do the new ratios apply? Starting the reserve week of 28 March 2025.

Do NBQBs have a different rate? NBQBs must maintain 5% reserves against peso‑denominated deposit substitutes, except for specified exemptions.

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