Press Release

Strong capital and global markets performance reaps global recognition for BPI

Asian Banking & Finance (ABF), The Asset, and Alpha Southeast Asia, three of the most highly-respected award-giving bodies in the region, recently recognized the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for its milestone achievements and consistent, strong performance in the capital and global markets.

ABF, a leading finance industry publication, released the list of winners for the ABF Corporate & Investment Banking Awards 2020, citing BPI’s CHF 100-million 2-year ASEAN Green Bond issuance as the Debt Deal of the Year – Philippines. The Swiss Franc-denominated bond was remarkable for being the Bank’s first negative ASEAN Green Bond to be issued in the capital markets, and the first negative-yielding bond to be issued outside of the Philippines in the offshore market. The transaction garnered strong demand from a broad range of investor types and had an oversubscribed book within 90 minutes after launch.

BPI was also honored for its role in Globe Telecom’s Acquisition of EC Pay as the Mergers and Acquisitions Deal of the Year – Philippines. BPI, through BPI Capital Corporation, helped in bridging a valuation gap, managing the financial and legal due diligence process, and negotiating the definitive documents for the issuance, to bring the transaction to a close.

The bank, through BPI Capital Corporation, also brought home an award for Green Project of the Year from The Asset Triple A Asia Infrastructure Awards 2020, with their exemplary handing of AC Energy Finance International’s USD 400-million CBI-certified Climate Bonds. The deal was highlighted for being the first ever fixed-for-life perpetual green bond issuance globally, and the first ever perpetual green bond issuance out of Southeast Asia. Its final book was over 3x oversubscribed, and was allocated to over 60 accounts.

“Delivering innovative financial solutions to our clients while pursuing sustainability continues to be our priority,” said Rhoda Huang, BPI Capital President.

The finance publication also named BPI as the Best FX Bank in the Philippines in the ABF Wholesale Banking Awards 2020. BPI, which maintains a substantial share of the Philippine foreign exchange market, was noted for its competitively-priced and customized treasury solutions that help clients manage risks and optimize returns based on their business need and risk appetite.

“The COVID-19 crisis has prompted our treasury business to adapt in order to meet our clients’ needs,” said Dino Gasmen, BPI Global Markets Head. “Despite the many challenges and uncertainties, we remain committed to building long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients.”

BPI’s performance in global markets garnered another three awards from Alpha Southeast Asia, the oldest institutional investment magazine in the Southeast Asian region, during its 10^th Treasury and FX Awards cycle.

The bank was named as the region’s Best FX Bank for Retail Clients. Awards jurors noted BPI’s efforts in arming clients with timely market updates and financial advice through alternative channels, which ensured that clients’ banking needs were met amid challenges and limitations imposed by the COVID-19 community quarantine.

Alpha Southeast Asia also named BPI as the region’s Best FX Bank for Corporates and Financial Institutions, citing the bank’s exceptional ability to match/balance corporate and commercial FX inflows and outflows, which allow it to offer competitive pricing for clients and be less dependent on the proprietary market.

 
BPI has also received the title of Best FX Bank for Corporates, FIs & SMEs: Cross Currency Swap (CCS), Interest Rate Swap (IRS), Forwards & Options Hedging. The bank was noted for its customized and innovative hedging solutions that help clients manage risks and optimize returns, in addition to competitively-priced treasury products and services.

Published on October 5, 2020