CARD Bank has further strengthened its commitment to inclusive finance with the official inauguration of its second Islamic banking branch in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, on November 24, 2025. Strategically located along Narciso Ramos Highway, Biaba Damag, this new branch is dedicated to providing Shari’ah-compliant financial services, directly addressing the unique needs and cultural values of Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This expansion builds on the success of the bank’s pioneering Islamic banking branch in Cotabato City, which opened in January 2024, demonstrating a sustained effort to bridge the financial inclusion gap in regions with significant Muslim populations.
A Commitment to Culturally-Rooted Development
Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus, emphasized the deeper significance of the branch: “This opening is more than a new building; it’s a testament to our belief that every community deserves services tailored to its dreams and beliefs. We have seen the resilience and faith of our brothers and sisters in BARMM, and it is our duty to support development that honors their culture.”
Shari’ah-Compliant Products for Life and Livelihood
The Marawi branch will operate under strict Shari’ah principles, ensuring all transactions align with Islamic law. Key services include:
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Wadiah Deposit Accounts: For secure and transparent savings (Wadiah Basic, Regular, and ATM Savings).
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Financing Solutions: Products like Murabahah, Mudarabah, and Musharakah for micro-agri and micro-enterprise needs, as well as Murabahah 2 for supplemental commodity financing.
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Leasing (Ijarah): Options for motorcycle and vehicle leasing.
All offerings are designed to support clients’ economic activities without compromising their religious beliefs.
Fostering Opportunity in BARMM
Mohamad Omar Pasigan, Chairman of the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI), highlighted the branch’s impact: “The arrival of this second Shari’ah-compliant branch in BARMM clearly shows the demand and opportunity for faith-based services. It unlocks new possibilities for families and entrepreneurs across the region.”
Driving Financial Inclusion Forward
Many in BARMM have historically been unbanked due to a lack of accessible, religiously aligned financial options. CARD Bank’s foray into Islamic banking is a direct response to this need, empowering women, entrepreneurs, and households with fair, affordable, and respectful financial tools. This initiative is a crucial step toward building more resilient local economies.
To ensure authenticity and sensitivity, CARD Bank developed its services in collaboration with Islamic finance and Shari’ah advisory experts. The branch commenced operations with a strong base of 1,307 clients, 1,246 of whom have financing, many transitioning from CARD, Inc.’s Paglambo program.
A Vision for Inclusive Progress
Marivic M. Austria, President and CEO of CARD Bank, stated, “This second branch proves that inclusive development is achievable by meeting communities where they are. By working closely with BARMM leaders and families, we uphold that every Filipino, regardless of faith, has the right to progress.”
The opening ceremony featured an inaugural prayer and ribbon-cutting, attended by Dr. Alip, BSP Senior Assistant Governor Atty. Arifa Ala, Chairman Pasigan, CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo Dequito, CEO Austria, consultants, institutional partners, staff, and community clients.
Beyond Islamic banking, CARD Bank remains dedicated to holistic support for Filipino families through its conventional branches, offering microinsurance, business development programs, marketing support, and health and education initiatives.
About CARD Bank: CARD Bank is a leading advocate for inclusive finance in the Philippines, dedicated to providing sustainable financial and social services to empower communities, particularly the unbanked and underserved.