CBS China Bank Savings (CBS), the country’s second-largest thrift bank, is accelerating its expansion in the Visayas and Mindanao as part of its aggressive nationwide growth strategy both in physical and digital banking.
The bank recently opened its new branch at the Orion Corporate Center on A.S. Fortuna and Sacris Road in Mandaue City on Monday, March 10, 2025. The relocation, just eight minutes from its previous del Rosario site, improves accessibility for customers while offering modern banking facilities.
“While we are enhancing our digital capabilities, we recognize that many of our clients, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, still prefer human interaction. That’s why our expansion is twofold—growing our branch network while improving our digital banking services,” said CBS president James Christian Dee in an interview.
The bank currently operates 170 branches nationwide, including 93 branch-lite units or smaller versions of full-service branches. In the Visayas, CBS has 14 branches, five of which are in Cebu.
By 2025, Dee said CBS plans to open at least five new branches in the Visayas and Mindanao, redirecting resources from Luzon operations to tap into emerging markets. The first new location will open in Ormoc City by the third quarter of this year, followed by branches in Negros Island, Panay and other urban areas.
Financial literacy, digital banking
Beyond physical expansion, CBS is also investing in its workforce through specialized training sessions designed to upskill CBS bankers and enhance customer service.
The bank also continues to push financial literacy with its Financial Wellness Initiative, offering free seminars on saving, budgeting and debt management for teachers, students and employees nationwide. This initiative aligns with the bank’s Build and Rise program and supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ financial inclusion efforts.
Since 2023, the bank has conducted over 35 training sessions, educating more than 1,000 participants—including teachers, students and employees—on budgeting, debt management and financial best practices.
“We believe financial literacy is crucial in helping Filipinos make informed decisions. Our training programs empower communities with the knowledge they need to manage their finances effectively,” Dee said.
In addition to physical expansion, CBS also launched an AI-powered chatbot, Casey, as part of its commitment to making banking more accessible and convenient for customers nationwide.
Casey is designed to assist customers 24/7 on the bank’s Facebook page and website. Unveiled on Feb. 14, 2025, the AI-powered chatbot was developed in partnership with Tech One Global Philippines and is powered by Microsoft Copilot.
“Casey is a major leap in CBS’ digital transformation journey, reinforcing our commitment to serving customers better,” said Dee.
Unlike traditional automated responders, Casey engages with clients in a polite and thoughtful manner, helping them navigate CBS’ banking products and connecting them directly to the Customer Experience Management Department for further assistance.
“Our collaboration with CBS China Bank Savings in launching Casey, powered by Microsoft Copilot, showcases how intelligent automation can make banking more intuitive, secure and customer-centric,” said Tech One Global’s managing director Lahiru Munindradasa.
CBS China Bank Savings is the retail banking arm of China Banking Corp. The bank supports small and medium enterprises (SME) and retail customers. It has a strong focus on automatic payroll deduction loans for public school teachers and a solid presence in auto loans, SME financing and housing loans for overseas Filipino workers and salaried employees. / KOC