The First Metro Group celebrates a number of accolades, symbolic of its 60-year legacy of expertise and unwavering commitment to capital markets development.

First Metro has once again been honored by FinanceAsia, a reputable Hong Kong-based publication, as the country’s Best Investment Bank. This impressive feat marks a consecutive win for First Metro, reaffirming its status as a premier investment bank in the country. FinanceAsia also recognizes First Metro as the Best DCM House in the Philippines, acknowledging its significant contributions to the debt capital markets through the orchestration of notable bond transactions in 2023.

Further amplifying the group’s triumphs, First Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation (FirstMetroSec), the stockbrokerage arm of the First Metro Group, has been recognized as Best Broker (Domestic). This award, also from FinanceAsia, underscores the company’s operational excellence and innovation in the stock brokerage arena.

Furthermore, First Metro has once again secured its position as a Top 5 Corporate Issue Manager/Arranger (ranked 4th) and a Top 5 Fixed-Income Brokering Participant (ranked 2nd) in the esteemed PDS Annual Awards 2023.

“We take immense pride in these remarkable achievements, which serve as a testament to our resilience, adaptability and success in navigating the ever-evolving economic and market landscape,” said Jose Patricio Dumlao, First Metro president. “With a profound understanding of market dynamics, we adeptly identify opportunities and create value for our clients, while fulfilling our role as the country’s prime mover of capital.”

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has achieved a significant milestone as it successfully concluded RTB 30, raising an outstanding P584.86 billion from its offering of five-year Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB). This remarkable achievement surpasses its initial target of P400 billion.

During the rate-setting auction, the BTr initially raised P212.719 billion. Subsequently, an additional P372.14 billion was raised during the public offer period, with P243.45 billion coming from the bond switch program and P128.69 billion from “new money”.

First Metro Investment Corporation served as one of the joint issue managers and selling agents.

Meanwhile, First Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation (FirstMetroSec), designated as one of the settlement banks for the RTB, achieved its highest subscription volume to date, surpassing the company’s previous record during the RTB 28 offering. This milestone not only indicates a significant increase in investor participation but also reflects the growing confidence in FirstMetroSec’s platform and services. More importantly, it represents another step forward in the company’s broader mission of making investment opportunities accessible to everyone.

The RTBs play a vital role in the national government’s initiative to democratize government securities by making them accessible to retail investors. Distributed through banks and stock brokerage houses, this financial instrument is categorized as low risk, offering a stable income stream with interest payments disbursed quarterly.

RTB 30 was offered at an annual interest rate of 6.25, with a minimum investment of only P5,000, payable every quarter until its maturity in 2029. The proceeds from this issuance will be allocated to fund various programs in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health.

FirstMetroSec recently hosted the 2024 Traders Playbook Virtual Conference. Themed ‘Rising Through Risks: A Journey Down the Rabbit Hole, Into Resilience and Strength’, the conference explored strategies for resilience amidst uncertainties in the Philippine equities market.

Drawing parallels to Alice’s adventures ‘down the rabbit hole’, the conference served as a forum where experts dissected a host of challenges confronting investors. The speakers provided insights into effectively maneuvering through times of volatile inflation trends, shifting monetary policies, global economic concerns, and potential exogenous shocks, among others.

In addition to shedding light on the challenges, participants were also equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to weather these obstacles, from tactical trading approaches to uncovering silver linings and seizing opportunities for portfolio growth.

The 2024 Traders Playbook featured a lineup of speakers including Ateneo de Manila University Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Luis F. Dumlao, FirstMetroSec Market Consultant Mr. Aaron M. Say, and FirstMetroSec Institutional Research Head Ms. Estella Dhel B. Villamiel. Dr. Danie Laurel, a multi-awarded TV news anchor, moderated the discussions.

FAMI and FirstMetroSec marked International Women’s Month with proactive steps toward women empowerment.

FAMI hosted a special webinar aimed at inspiring and motivating women. Recognizing that empowered women make informed financial decisions, the webinar featured Gina Goco-Morales, an entrepreneur and savvy investor. She shared her personal journey of learning to make wise financial choices from a young age, illustrating the path to financial independence and debt-free living.

In addition to the webinar, FAMI launched a promotional campaign throughout March, allowing clients to begin investing in any of the First Metro Mutual Funds with as little as P1,000. By emphasizing the significance of starting small and gradually growing investments over time, FAMI aims to empower individuals to take control of their financial future.

Furthermore, FirstMetroSec partnered with the Filipina CEO Circle for the recent 2024 Women’s Run PH, organized in collaboration with Runrio Inc. This event celebrated women as symbols of courage, resilience, and power. FAMI employees also collectively supported the event, joining the crowd of runners to celebrate women’s strength, foster sisterhood and promote wellness through this empowering initiative.

CAPITAL NOTES is the official newsletter of First Metro Investment Corporation published quarterly.

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