CHINA BANKING CORP.’S (Chinabank) net income climbed 11% to P14.5 billion in the first six months of the year, backed by strong loan growth. Chinabank’s net interest income grew by 14% year on year to P39.7 billion in the first semester. Meanwhile, operating expenses rose by 11% to P18.4 billion, which it attributed to its business expansion efforts. “Including foreign currency CASA deposits, total CASA stood at P750 billion, translating to a CASA ratio of 49% and a lower overall cost of funds,” Chinabank said. Total equity went up 11% to P192 billion, translating to an 11% growth in book value per share to P71.46, the bank said.