First Metro brings service excellence to capital markets

As the country's global credit ratings continue to improve, international businesses and investors turn to the Philippines as an attractive destination for capital flows. 

First Metro Investment Corp (First Metro), the Philippines' leading and largest investment bank, maintains optimism in the country's growth markets. 

"Ratings upgrade is a badge of good housekeeping, and now is the perfect opportunity to ride into the stock market upswing," says First Metro president 

Roberto Juanchito Dispo. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), which serves as a benchmark for the overall performance of the country's stock market, enters its seventh year of a secular bull run this year and is regarded as one of the best performers in the world. 

First Metro has more than 50 years of service in the development of domestic capital markets. The company is the investment banking arm of Metropolitan Bank and Trust (Metrobank), the second-largest Philippine bank in terms of assets. First Metro's strategic business units - investment banking, financial markets and investment advisory and trust - allow the company to achieve a balanced portfolio mix. 

Its consolidated assets grew 10 per cent at 91 billion pesos (HK$16 billion) in September last year, compared with 83 billion pesos the previous year. 

First Metro holds a notable 91 per cent market share in peso-denominated corporate and government debt transactions. As a quasi-bank licensed by the local central bank, the company can access funds from the public through the issuance of its own debt instruments.