FinanceAsia gives BPI four Awards for Sustainability, Investment Banking

FinanceAsia, one of the region’s leading finance publications, recognized the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for its forward-looking sustainability initiatives and excellence in investment banking.

BPI was named as the Best Sustainable Bank in the country. At the same time, its investment banking arm, BPI Capital Corporation, was recognized as the Best Investment Bank, Best Equity Capital Market House, and Best Debt Capital Market House.

The four awards made BPI the most awarded Philippine bank in the recently-held 2021 FinanceAsia Country Awards.

“This award is a welcome validation of what we are determined to achieve. BPI’s sustainability formula is distinct because we go beyond environmental, social, and governance goals by adding economic targets to our green and social endeavors. Thus, BPI’s formula for sustainability, ESG+E, is unique.” said Tere Marcial, BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer.

In 2020, the bank established the Board-approved BPI Sustainability Agenda which will guide the bank on the integration of sustainability principles in its corporate governance and risk management frameworks, as well as in its strategic objectives and operations. Its Sustainability Agenda is guided by the provisions of BSP Circular No. 1085 on Sustainable Finance Framework.

BPI Capital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BPI, has maintained leadership in the debt and equity capital markets, project finance, structured finance, advisory, and mergers and acquisitions.

“We continue to value the trust given to us by our clients. These recognitions prove that we are able to maintain our position as are liable financial partner, transaction advisor, credit sponsor, and financing originator to the most respected names in business and major stakeholders in the country,” said Chiqui Huang, President of BPI Capital Corp.

In the Equity Capital Markets, BPI Capital was ranked in March 2021 as number one among local and international investment houses based on the Philippines Bloomberg League Table. From April 2020 to March 2021, the Company successfully participated in two Preferred Share Offerings and one Stock Rights Offering. It led to two Initial Public Offerings, including the listing of AREIT, the first Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) in the Philippines.

BPI Capital’s leadership in investment banking is further exemplified in its proven placement power and formidable track record in the Debt Capital Markets. It is the lead arranger and underwriter for ASEAN ESG bonds in the Philippines, participating in three of the five ASEAN ESG Bond issuances from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. In 2020, BPI Capital also acted as Global Coordinator for AC Energy’s perpetual fixed-for-life ASEAN green bond and tender offer. This is the first-ever liability management exercise with a fixed-for-life perpetual included.

From April 2020 to March 2021, BPI Capital has actively arranged, underwritten and participated in three corporate notes issuances in addition to twelve PHP denominated and six US$ denominated bond issuances.

“Our commitment to sustainability and investment banking go hand in hand,” said Ms. Marcial. “This commitment compels us to align all our operations—what we offer our clients and how we serve them—towards creating a more sustainable society.”

Published on September 15, 2021