SOME of the largest and more profitable banks will remain open on Christmas Eve and on the last day of the year to meet the banking needs of their loyal customers.

The Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. has given notice that some of its branches will remain open even during the Christmas holidays.

Metrobank released an advisory that selected branches will remain open to serve clients on Saturday, Dec. 24; and on Friday, Dec. 30. Selected branches will also be open on Saturday, Dec. 31, the last day of the year.

Banco de Oro Universal Bank also announced that a select few of its branches will transact normal banking transactions for clients on Dec. 24 “until 1 p.m.”

According to BDO, branches located at its shopping malls will remain open till 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 as well.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas anticipates peak demand for the automated teller machines of the banking community during the Christmas holidays and has issued Memorandum Circular M-2011 requiring all banks to make available their ATM services and secure them against possible fraud.