KEY POINTS

  • SMFL completes acquisition of a 30% stake in Philippine lessor RCBC Leasing & Finance
  • Transaction makes RLFC an equity-method affiliate owned 70% by RCBC and 30% by SMFL
  • SMFL targets Philippine growth by combining RCBC's customer base with RLFC's leasing platform
SMFL completes 30% stake acquisition in Philippines' RCBC Leasing
The Japanese leasing company completed its investment in RCBC Leasing & Finance after approvals, making the Philippine lessor an equity-method affiliate. Photo by jon manosca on Pexels

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co. (SMFL) has completed the acquisition of a 30% stake in Philippine leasing company RCBC Leasing & Finance Corp. (RLFC) after meeting conditions including regulatory approvals, the company said on Aug. 25.

The stake was acquired through a third-party allotment of new shares by RLFC, which had been wholly owned by Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. before the transaction. RLFC has now become an equity-method affiliate of SMFL.

SMFL signed the acquisition agreement on Aug. 20, 2025, according to the release. RLFC is now owned 70% by RCBC and 30% by SMFL.

RCBC is a commercial bank under the Yuchengco Group, one of the Philippines' large conglomerates. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. holds a 24.46% stake in RCBC, linking the deal to the broader SMBC group's presence in the Philippine market.

RLFC, founded in 1957 and based in Makati City, provides finance leases, operating leases and corporate loans. SMFL said it aims to expand its business in the Philippines by combining its sales and management expertise with RCBC's customer base and RLFC's sales operations.

The Philippines has been one of Southeast Asia's faster-growing economies in recent years, and the company cited expectations for continued economic growth and rising demand for financial services in the country.

Originally published on jp.ibtimes.com