PDS Group Holds its 18th Awards Night to Celebrate 2022′s Top Performers

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31 March 2023, Makati, Philippines — The PDS Group staged the 2023 Annual Awards Night, its biggest event of the year, gathering market participants and stakeholders across different sectors of the financial market to celebrate the achievements of the capital market community.

“Breaking Through Challenges”, the theme for this year’s annual awards was embodied by this year’s winning participants. The PDS market participants have indeed remained steadfast despite yet another challenging year. A total of 46 awards, ranging from depository, custody, and settlement, to fixed income market categories were recognized during the awards ceremony.

The celebratory evening began with a message from the PDS Group President & CEO Ramon S. Monzon. In his welcome remarks, he said: “For us, the 18th PDS Annual Awards Night serves as a testament to the long years of hard work and perseverance of companies to succeed in the fields of depository, custody, settlement and fixed income.  Acknowledging all the outstanding work and contributions of tonight’s awardees done to the industry is our way of showing appreciation to our stakeholders who continue to make things happen despite the continuing headwinds encountered by the financial markets in the last few years.”

“These successes have been made possible thanks to the men and women of PDS and all our stakeholders.  I am confident that 2023 will be another remarkable year in terms of transactions and technology enhancements.”, added Mr. Monzon.

BSP’s Deputy Governor Hon. Chuchi G. Fonacier also graced the event and delivered a special message. She remarked: “We welcome the initiatives undertaken by the various industry associations and their members, in collaboration with infrastructure providers, to deepen the Philippine financial markets. Meanwhile, the BSP is committed to advancing capital market development through our support of various public and private sector projects and the issuance of enabling regulations for our supervised institutions.”

“You as capital market participants have an important role to play in this regard. Even as we celebrate the achievements of the past year tonight, we at the BSP encourage you to explore avenues to promote sustainable finance, and to continuously dedicate yourselves to providing more choices to the growing Philippine investor base.”, DG Fonacier further added.

After the depository, settlement, and custody awards were announced, the Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner McJill Bryant T. Fernandez then delivered his message. He remarked: “We have always known that financial markets do not exist in a vacuum. In good times, we look at financial markets for those impressive returns and its ability to raise funding for the productive sectors of our economy. In bad times, we look at financial markets to closely monitor and manage spillover risks. Whichever way we look at it, and regardless of the number of indicators used, I think that the success of financial markets must always take into account how it contributes to the economy and greater society. At its core, financial markets are there to enrich and empower the lives of our people.”

“And while this occasion looks back on what we have accomplished the previous year, may this also serve as a reminder of the bigger than itself role financial markets play in the economy and broader society, and put into perspective what the future might require from us. Through partnerships and meaningful collaborations, it is my earnest hope that we will continue to find innovative ways to enrich and empower the lives of our people.”, further Commissioner Fernandez.

Subsequent to the honoring of the Corporate Securities Awards was another special message for the evening from the Bureau of the Treasury Treasurer of the Philippines Rosalia V. De Leon. In her message, Hon. De Leon said: ” In the face of growing uncertainty and future challenges, the BTr and PDS should forge stronger partnerships by bolstering our support for the corporate pension and financial sector taxation reforms that will attract a broader and more diversified investor base and deepen the supply of capital in our financial system, vastly improving the efficiency and dependability of our domestic capital markets for more robust corporate and government financing.”

The main highlight of the evening was the awarding of the PDS Annual Awards’ highest honor, the Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House for both the Bank and Investment House Categories. This Year’s Cesar E.A. Virata Awards were presented to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company for the bank category and First Metro Investment Corporation for the Investment House Category.

 

2023 PDS Annual Awards Press Release

PDS Group Holds Second Virtual Awards Ceremony to Celebrate 2021’s Top Performers

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Press Release Virata Awardees

25 March 2022, Makati City, Philippines – Celebrated annually for 17 years now, the PDS Annual Awards has hailed PDS members who have distinguished themselves over the past year, contributing to the growth and stability of the Philippine financial markets.

For the second time, the PDS Group decided once again to hold the awards ceremony virtually due to the still ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to hold another virtual event came out of concern for the safety of our market participants and special guests.

This virtual awards ceremony was nonetheless memorable as we were able to celebrate the achievements of our market who successfully created value despite these trying times. Creating Value, the theme for this year’s annual awards was embodied by this year’s winners. PDS market participants have indeed remained strong and steadfast behind yet another challenging year. A total of 45 awards, ranging from depository, custody, and settlement, to fixed income market categories were recognized in the virtual awards ceremony.
The celebratory evening began with a message from PDS Group President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon. In his welcome remarks, he said: “All of our Group initiatives have been with the continued support of our regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Both PDS and PSE have been active partners within the SEC’s Communication Advocacy and Network focused on increasing investor education and thereby improving awareness and their protection. The past year’s results are a testament to such regulator’s support for which we express our sincere gratitude.”

“Tonight, like previous awards nights, is still about our stakeholders and a celebration of community members’ performances trialed through the challenges that the past year posed yet nonetheless outstanding.”, added Mr. Monzon.

The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Benjamin E. Diokno also graced the event and delivered a special message before awarding the depository, settlement, and custody awards. Gov. Diokno acknowledged the growth of our economy since the pandemic struck and affected many individuals whilst reminding everyone of what is expected of them. He said: “By now, we are seeing bright spots that suggest that the economy is on its way to recovery. The economy grew 5.6 percent in 2021, higher than government estimates and market expectations. Unemployment dropped to a low of 6.4 percent in January 2022 as businesses opened and adjusted to the new economy. Several other indicators, from mobility indices to manufacturing activities, suggest that full recovery is well on its way.”

“Our goal is not only to regain what was lost to the pandemic, but to embark on a more sustainable path of development.”, further stated Gov. Diokno.

After hearing the insightful messages of Mr. Monzon and Gov. Diokno, the depository, settlement, and custody awards were announced where BDO Securities Corporation, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Bank of China Limited, Manila Branch, and Security Bank Corporation took the top spots in their categories.

The Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Emilio B. Aquino then shared some insight with all the attended. “We at the SEC encourage a digitalized work environment as we also develop and promote systems and systems and portals for easier access and processes”, said Chairman Aquino as he commended the PDS Group for the Group’s digitalization initiatives for the past year.

“We laud the initiatives of the Group to digitalize its operations which will provide efficiency in the listing procedures, registry, and depository. This will encourage more issuers and investors to participate in our fixed income markets.”, further said Chairman Aquino.

“The amount raised from new corporate bond listings for 2021 was lower than previous years. However, during the start of 2022, PDEx has recorded its largest-ever issuance which is the BDO Sustainability Bonds amounting to PHP 52.7 Billion. It was followed by the RCBC Sustainability Bonds Due 2024 amounting to PHP 14.76 Billion. In addition, the fixed income market likewise surpassed its previous year’s growth. Government bonds accounted for 43.15% of the GDP while corporate bonds were at 7.33%.”, said Chairman Aquino as he looks forward to a better year ahead.

After Chairman Aquino’s message, the top performers in the Corporate Securities Awards were conferred to BPI Capital Corporation, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., China Bank Capital Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and First Metro Investment Corporation.

Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc was awarded as the Top Traded Corporate Bond Issue for 2021 for their PHP 10 Billion Fixed Rate Bonds due 2025, the same issue which also won them the award the previous year. At the same time, a special citation was also awarded to Ayala Land, Inc. for being the first issuer to use the electronic Securities Issue Portal (e-SIP) for its pre-listing and registry onboarding activities. The e-SIP, which was launched in May 2021 has since been utilized by ten (10) corporate issuers for eleven (11) listings since ALI’s pioneering utilization.

Subsequent to the honoring of the Corporate Securities Awards was another special message for the evening from the National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon. In her message, Hon. De Leon said: “For the past two (2) years, our financial system has proven itself resilient in tackling the difficult circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, the Bureau of the Treasury the value of providing pandemic-friendly digital services to respond to the growing sophistication of Filipino investors and thereby embraces innovative structures that will continuously support the National Government’s financing efforts to realize the much-needed projects for economic recovery and sustainable growth.”, said Hon. Treasurer de Leon in her informative message.

The Honorable Treasurer De Leon then honored the awarding of the Government and Corporate Securities Awards where AFS Philippines, Inc., Philippine National Bank, China Banking Corporation, and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. held the number one (1) sports in their respective categories.

The main highlight of the evening was the awarding of the PDS Annual Awards’ highest honor, the Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House for both the Bank and Investment House Categories. This Year’s Cesar E.A. Virata Awards were presented to China Banking Corporation for the bank category and First Metro Investment Corporation for the Investment House Category.

PDS Group Chairman Emeritus Hon. Cesar E.A. Virata closed the awards ceremony with a special message. “I congratulate all the winners tonight for contributing to the healthy development of the Philippine Capital Market despite the effects of the pandemic on the business sector and the investors both in the equity and fixed income markets.”, remarked Hon. Virata.

“Having been involved in the corporation of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and the Philippine Dealing System Corp. and Subsidiaries, I can see the unification of our Philippine Capital Market exchanges. I am glad that we are providing more investors to participate directly in the growth of our economy.”, said Hon. Virata as the event neared its close.

Press Release 2022 PDS Annual Awards

PDS Group Celebrates 2020’s Top Performers in the First Ever Virtual Awards Ceremony

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26 March 2021, Makati City, Philippines – Celebrated annually since 2006, the PDS Group Awards Night has hailed PDS members who have distinguished themselves over the past year, contributing to the growth and stability of the Philippine financial markets.

This virtual awards ceremony was especially memorable as we were able to celebrate the achievements of our market who forged on through adverse conditions and collectively set annual milestones in both primary market activity at PHP 387 Billion, and secondary market activity at PHP 6.13 Trillion.

Strength in Adversity as this year’s theme is reflective of our market participants’ resilience amidst the Covid-induced market. A total of forty-four (44) awards ranging from depository, custody, settlement, to fixed income market categories were received virtually by twenty-nine (29) top-performing institutions.

The evening began with PDS Group President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon delivering his welcome remarks. “Not being able to receive the trophy in person does not lessen the prestige of the award we are giving out. In fact, the awards tonight probably have a bit more prominence because it represents deals and transactions done in a year characterized by economic turmoil and immense uncertainty. While the amount raised from corporate bond issuances have been on an uptrend, the record PHP 387.83 Billion in issuances and listing in 2020 is a testament to the confidence of institutional and retail investors to the stability of the financial markets.”, concluded Mr. Monzon.

The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Benjamin E. Diokno also graced the event through a recorded message. Gov. Diokno congratulated the PDS Group for having organized this virtual event as well as all the awardees for successful leadership and innovation throughout these trying times. He further reminded all the attendees to take note of all the lessons to be learned throughout the pandemic. Gov. Diokno remarked: “We should not let this unprecedented crisis go to waste. Let’s learn from it. Let us all continue to discover and tap into our inner strengths. Our shared fortitude as a nation will enable us to withstand all adversities and come out of this pandemic as economic champions”.

After the insightful messages of Mr. Monzon and Gov. Diokno, the depository, settlement, and custody awards were announced where BDO Securities Corporation, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Bank of China Limited, Manila Branch, and Security Bank Corporation took the top spots in their categories.

The Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Emilio B. Aquino then delivered his message. “Amidst this ongoing challenge and the continuous evolution in the markets globally, we are positive, and we look forward for further initiatives as well as the continuing involvement of every participant to help advance our debt market to become to become a more buyable investment destination, as well as continue to be among the fastest growing bond market in the region.”, said Chairman Aquino before honoring the top performers in the Corporate Securities Awards.

The top performers in this category were conferred to Amalgamated Investment Bancorporation, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank), BPI Capital Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and First Metro Investment Corporation.

Notably, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc was awarded as the Top Traded Corporate Bond Issue for 2020 for their PHP 10 Billion Fixed Rate Bonds due 2025. Meanwhile, the Bank of the Philippine Islands was given a Special Citation for their BPI COVID Action Response (CARE) Bond where proceeds were used to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Following the honoring of the Corporate Securities Awards was a very encouraging message from the National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon. In her message, Hon. De Leon said: “This era of the Covid-19 pandemic will always be remembered of its devastating effects on public health and the country’s economy. But those of us in the financial industry will also look back at this time of how we demonstrated strength against such adversities and how we transformed opportunities into significant innovation in our reality”.

The Honorable Treasurer De Leon then honored the awarding of the Government and Corporate Securities Awards where Union Bank of the Philippines and Metrobank held the top positions in their respective categories.

The PDS Annual Awards’ highest honor, the Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House, was presented to Metrobank (Bank Category) and BPI Capital Corporation (Investment House Category) – accolades they have held for eight and five consecutive years respectively.

PDS Group Chairman Emeritus Cesar E.A. Virata closed the awards ceremony with a special message where he encouraged the award-winning institutions to strive for further growth in our capital market. “I’m very sure that the present institutions will follow all the regulations for a transparent and up to international standards. We also have the duty to educate our investors and our brokers to be able to show the best choice of investments in terms of debt capital or in equities. Our institutions should also be innovative enough to create new products and create new markets not only for the Philippine market but also to invite foreign investments in our securities. I really hope we can improve and develop further the Philippine Capital Market so we will not be too dependent on financing from banks.”, said Honorable Chairman Emeritus Virata.

Press Release 2021 PDS Annual Awards

PDS Group Honors its Most Outstanding Market Community Participants

Photo Release - 2019 PDS Annual Awards

14 March 2019, Makati City, Philippines – Celebrated annually since 2006, the PDS Group Awards Night has hailed PDS members who have distinguished themselves over the past year, contributing to the growth and stability of the Philippine financial markets.

A total of 51 awards, ranging from depository, custody, settlement, to fixed income market categories, were given at the 14th PDS Annual Awards.

PDS Group Officer-in-Charge Ma. Theresa B. Ravalo remarked: “The awards tonight are a testament of our shared desire to be better and stronger. Certainly, there is and there will always be, much that remains to be done moving forward; but tonight, let us pause to appreciate what has been achieved within the context of a dynamic and challenging market.”

The PDS Annual Awards’ highest honor, the Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House, was conferred to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Bank Category) and BPI Capital Corporation (Investment House Category) – accolades they have held for six and four consecutive years respectively.

The strong performance of the PDS Issuer Community in 2018 also took center stage as special citations were given to AEON Credit Services (Philippines), Inc. and Metrobank. The former being the Pilot Issuance in the Philippines under the Asean+3 Multi-Currency Bond Issuance (AMBIF) Framework and for being the First Non-Reporting Company and Restricted Issuer to enroll its securities in the PDEx organized secondary market. Metrobank was recognized for its pilot issuance of Bank-Issued Bond and Commercial Paper Program.

The event was graced by the who’s who of the financial markets including National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Supervisory Policy and Research Department Director Veronica B. Bayangos, Securities and Exchange Commission Market Regulation Director Vicente Graciano P. Felizmenio, Jr., and PDS Group Chairman Emeritus Cesar E.A. Virata. #

Press Release 2019 PDS Annual Awards FINAL

PDS Market Community Celebrates the 2018 PDS Annual Awards Night

2018 PDS Awards Night Photo Release

15 March 2018, Makati City, Philippines– The PDS Group staged the 2018 Annual Awards Night, its biggest event of the year, gathering market participants and stakeholders across different sectors of the financial market to bask the achievements of the capital market community.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Bank Category) and BPI Capital Corporation (Investment House Category) continued their winning streak for four and three years respectively, as the Best Securities House for 2017. The Cesar E.A. Virata Award – Best Securities House is given to the Trading Participant that has focused on fixed-income securities business as evidenced by its exceptional performance in trading, distribution and settlement activities for the year.

Out of the 22 awards given that night, two were new awards under the Corporate Issuer Category. One was the Issuer of the Year Award bagged by Ayala Land for being the Pioneer Issuer in the Enrolled Securities Program and the most active issuer in terms of the number of listings in 2017.New special citations were awarded to China Bank Capital and BDO Capital as Underwriters and Bookrunners who participated in the Pilot Issuance and the First Official Issuance under the approved Enrolled Securities Program.

The event was graced by the capital market regulators including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Restituto C. Cruz, Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Ephyro Luis B. Amatong, and National Deputy Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza. Also present were BSP Former Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., PDS Group Chairman Emeritus Cesar E.A. Virata, and PDS Group Chairman Nestor V. Tan. #

Photo Release 2018 PDS Annual Awards

Top Performers in the Philippine Financial Markets Named in the 12th PDS Annual Awards

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09 March 2017, Makati City, Philippines– Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company and BPI Capital Corporation once again took the coveted Cesar E.A. Virata Award Best Securities House for Bank and Investment House Category, respectively.

New special citations were given to Ayala Land, Inc. for the public issuance and listing of its Homestarter Bonds, the first security of its kind to be listed on PDEx, and for being the most active issuer for the year, having achieved four public listings in 2016, owing to its optimization of the Shelf-Registration framework.

A total of 20 awards, covering Foreign Exchange, Fixed Income, Depository, Settlement, and Custody Categories, were given to the market players who exhibited stellar performance and continued pursuit in contributing to a robust domestic capital market.

The event was attended by heads of public agencies overseeing and participating in the Philippine financial markets, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa, and National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon.#

11TH PDS Annual Awards Night Commemorates a Decade of Collaborative Partnership and Market Development

Photo Release 11th PDS Awards

 

Makati City, Philippines, 03 March 2016 – The PDS Group honored the communities of players and regulators at the 11th Annual Awards Night, recognizing market achievements and the value of partnership that sustained the organized market for the past ten years.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) again bagged the Cesar E.A. Virata Award Best Securities House (Bank Category), a post it has held on for three consecutive years; while BPI Capital Corporation (BPI Capital) emerged as the first-time Best Securities House Awardee for Investment House Category. This award is a testament to BPI Capital and Metrobank’s dedication on the fixed-income securities business as evidenced by its exceptional performance in trading, distribution, and settlement activities.

A new award was added to the current roster of 18 award categories, the Special Citation for the Most Active Bank in FX Spot Matching. This award was given to Metrobank as the Foreign Exchange Dealer Bank that has generated the most trading volume on USD/PHP FX Spot Matching for 2015 as measured by the total USD Amount transacted through the system.

The Top Corporate Issue Managers/Arrangers Award expanded its scope, including the top performers in the banking sector. China Banking Corporation ranked first, followed by Standard Chartered Bank (top 2), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (top 3), and ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch (top 4).

PDS Group President & CEO Cesar B. Crisol highlighted in his welcome remarks that a commemorative book is in the works to memorialize and record the first ten years of the organized market. “As we look forward to the next phase, we assure you that we remain energized to face the challenges that lie before us. We are fortified by your trust and your faith, that together we share the vision of a Philippine capital market that is ready and equipped to join the bigger regional marketplace,” Mr. Crisol concluded.

The event was graced by top officials from the financial regulatory community: Undersecretary and Chief Economist for Policy Development and Management Services Group of the Department of Finance Gil S. Beltran, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director for Supervision and Examination Sub-Sector I Chuchi G. Fonacier, BSP Monetary Board Members Valentin A. Araneta and Armando L. Suratos, Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines for Research and Asset Management Services Sharon P. Almanza, Chief Treasury Operations Officer Arturo Trinidad II, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa, and SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis B. Amatong.

Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran cited positive developments in the capital markets, remarking: “Capital markets development will be critical in the functioning of a market-oriented economy. Deepening our capital markets provides additional source of financing aside from banks and provides an avenue for liquidity management to make sure that the engine and the gears of our economy are well-oiled.”

BSP Managing Director Chuchi G. Fonacier said: “To the 2015 honorees, a hearty salute to you for your accomplishments and display of leadership in the year fraught with challenges. May you be inspired to surpass your past achievements.”

Deputy Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza commended PDS as an effective partner of the Treasury in several major initiatives. “We also congratulate everyone in attendance for tonight’s 11th PDS Annual Awards Night. Without these brokers and dealers, there would be no one to facilitate trading and the quoting of prices. With PDS fanning the flame of competitive spirit among its players, we are thus able to establish an efficient and sustainable fixed-income market,” DToP Almanza added.

SEC Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa remarked: “We still have a long way to go in order to catch up with our ASEAN neighbors but at least we can say, that now the prospects for Philippine capital markets, most specially the debt market, are heading towards the right direction. ” #

11th Awards Night – press release FINAL

PDS Group celebrates 10th Annual Awards Night

10th PDS Annual Awards Night Photo Release

Makati City, Philippines, 26 March 2015 – This year’s Annual Awards was a special night of rich reaping for the financial community as the PDS Group marked a decade of recognizing financial institutions that exhibited stellar performance in developing the domestic capital market.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (MBTC) and First Metro Investment Corporation emerged for the second year as winners of the Cesar EA Virata Award for Best Securities House, Bank Category and Investment House Category respectively, recognized for their focus on the fixed income securities business in trading, distribution, settlement, origination, underwriting, and market making. MBTC President Fabian S. Dee said: “We are humbled by this honor but at the same time we acknowledge the responsibility that this award brings. More than just a trophy to be displayed, it will be a constant reminder for us to do our share in the furtherance of our market. We take this as a challenge to give honor to the great man, Prime Minister Cesar Virata, whom this award is named after. We share this honor with everyone who strives to bring our market to a higher standard whether in the buy side, the sell side, the regulators, or the exchange.”

A special citation was given to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. for its PhP 2.0 Billion Short-Term Commercial Paper Program Due 2015 as pioneer of the First Short-Term Commercial Paper Program listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

PDS Group President & CEO Crisol said, “We hark back to the principles of our creation and look around this room to the founders of this market, the supporters of this vision, and the community that has grown all around it. PDS was built BY the community FOR the community and the tower that has become emblematic is a great source of inspiration. Protective, solid, impartial and strong – we should be this.”

The event was graced by top officials from the financial regulatory community: Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor for Supervision and Examination Sector Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa, and SEC Commissioners Antonietta Ibe and Ephyro B. Amatong.

BSP Deputy Governor Espenilla said: “Indeed the market has come a long way and it is as much that journey that we celebrate tonight as the performances of respective individual institutions.”

National Treasurer Tan focused on unlocking the market’s true potential, remarking: “Beyond all these endeavors, we look forward to your unwavering support in building with us programs and capabilities needed as we evolve our markets from the domestic environment toward the Intra-Regional marketplace.”

SEC Chairperson Herbosa said: “While only some will go home with awards tonight, I believe we are all winners here for contributing to the continued development of Philippine financial markets and the betterment of the country’s economy as a whole.” #

10th Awards Night – press release FINAL

PDS Group pays tribute to market community top performers

Cesar EA Virata Awardees 2014

Makati City, Philippines, 27 February 2014 – The PDS Group paid tribute to the members of its community and market stakeholders at the 9th PDS Annual Awards Night. This celebration affirmed the wide distribution and abundance of excellence, leadership, and commitment among the Philippine market players.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) championed this year’s Cesar EA Virata Award for Best Securities House, Bank Category.  The award is given to a bank Trading Participant that has an exceptional performance in trading, distribution, and settlement activities for the year.

Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee said, “We, in Metrobank are committed to partnerships and while we are honored by being awarded tonight, we take more pride in being called your partner. A partner with the Government in its efforts to improve the lives of the Filipino people; a partner with the Bureau of the Treasury in providing funding solutions to fuel our economic development; a partner of the PDS Group in developing the markets and instituting best practices; and a partner with the rest of the dealing and brokering participants here in our joint dream to create a vibrant and robust market.”

Metrobank bagged five more awards including Top 5 PDDTS/PvP Participant (4th), Top 5 Fixed-Income Dealing Participant (2nd), Citation for Best Execution Through Active Use of Fixed Income Broker Internet Order System (FI-BIOS), Top Dealing Participant Corporate Securities, and Top Brokering Participant Retail Transaction.

On the other hand, First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC), the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, continued its winning streak as the Best Securities House in the Investment House Category. The award is given to an investment house Trading Participant that has an exceptional performance in trading and distribution for the year, and in the origination, underwriting, and market making of outstanding listed corporate securities.

FMIC received five other awards and ranked first in all the categories namely, Top Brokering Participant Corporate Securities, Top Corporate Issue Managers/Arrangers, Top Corporate Securities Market Makers, Top Fixed-Income Brokering Participant, and Top Fixed-Income Dealing Participant.

With the vigor of the issuer community in 2013 came in a new set of awards to recognize the role Issuers play in introducing innovative bond offerings that further diversify the corporate securities market. The new awards were Citation for the first listed 20-year bond issue and Citation for the first bond issue with both a put and call option. Ayala Land, Inc. and Manila Electric Company received the awards respectively.

The event was held at Makati Shangri-La and was graced by top Government Officials including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director for Supervision and Examination Sector Restituto C. Cruz, Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon, and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa.

Presiding at this year’s Annual Awards was PDS Group’s President and CEO, Mr. Cesar B. Crisol who said in his opening remarks, “It is heartening to come to the podium and realize that we have been together as a community now for the last nine years, on the cusp of a decade.  It is but fitting that we celebrate our achievements, for we have indeed come far from where we were in 2005.”

Honorable Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said, “Truly, it is quite commendable how the award continues to grow in prestige even on its ninth year already. Tonight we continue the tradition of giving honor to those institutions who have made exceptional contributions not only to the benefit of their own houses, but more importantly to the overall advancement of the market.”

Honorable SEC Chaiperson Teresita J. Herbosa remarked, “The Philippine fixed income securities market has many things to celebrate. Tonight, the PDS Group honors the outstanding institutions who need no validations as to their record achievements in 2013. Yet, it is always gratifying for these achievers to be recognized as top of the heap, cream of the crop, as annual awardees in this event by no less than the PDS Group.”

BSP Managing Director for Supervision and Examination Sector, Mr. Restituto C. Cruz said, “The BSP has faith that the market which, as a collective body, has pushed boundaries to bring our capital market to the state it is in today, will likewise take the lead in ensuring that there is integrity alongside progress and that the heights achieved in the past are easily surpassed in the coming years.”#

PDS Group pays tribute to market community top performers