The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has received recognition for industry excellence and market dominance in the financial markets space, as acknowledged by Hong Kong-based publication, The Asset.
In the Asset Benchmark Research, which involved top-rated analysts, economists, strategists, as well as salespeople and traders, Metrobank emerged as the top investment house in the Philippines in the banks category, receiving the highest number of votes from the publication’s discerning investors.
The bank was also recognized as the Top Sell-Side Firm in the secondary market for Philippine peso corporate and government bonds. This marks the fourth consecutive year the bank has received the prestigious award. In the Top Arrangers for Investors’ Choice for Primary Issues, Metrobank ranked second among local financial institutions.
The Asset also commended Metrobank’s financial specialists for their expertise in research, sales, and trading. Institutional Investors Coverage Unit head, Ruben Zamora, received the Highly Commended for Research award.
Sales trader Paterno Cobrador ranked fourth in Sales. In the Trading category, Government Securities Trading Unit head Kevin Rosario ranked second; Rates and Credits Unit head Kathryn Abes ranked third; Trader David Estacio ranked fourth; while Trader Samantha Dayrit received the Highly Commended award.
Metrobank’s Investment Execution Unit Head, Jerome Briz, and Investment Services Unit deputy head, Ginny Pecaña, were included in The Asset’s Top 10 Astute Investors in Asia, ranking fourth and sixth, respectively.
These rankings are based on their knowledge of credits or markets, decision-making acumen, and trading skills.
Metrobank’s head of Financial Markets Sector, Fernand Antonio Tansingco, said, “Amid shifting market conditions and a volatile trading environment, we made sure to stay consistent and highly competitive in taking advantage of the best that the market can offer to our clients. These awards are testaments to how we strategically manage the funds entrusted to us by our stakeholders.”
The Asset’s Asian local currency bond benchmark review is conducted annually since 2000 and provides valuable insights into the product needs of investors and the market presence of banks active in local currency bonds.
Metrobank has received numerous accolades from prominent global financial publications this year. It is the first Philippine financial institution to secure the Strongest Bank title from The Asian Banker for three consecutive years. Asiamoney recognized it as the “Best Domestic Bank” and awarded it for “Best Service for Trade Finance Services,” “Best Bank for the Ultra-High Net Worth,” and “Best Domestic Private Bank.”
Additionally, it received the “Cesar E.A. Virata Award” in the Bank Category for the ninth year and six other Trading Awards for its exceptional performance in fixed-income securities trading at the 2023 Philippine Dealing System Awards Night.
