BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital) continues to dominate the investment banking sector in the Philippines, as it was recognized as the Corporate and Investment Bank of the Year at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2024. This marks the seventh consecutive year that BDO Capital has earned this prestigious title, highlighting its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality advisory services and innovative financial solutions. The awards ceremony was held in Singapore, celebrating leading banks and financial institutions across Asia.
The firm’s success is driven by its strategic focus on digital transformation, business continuity, and expanding client coverage. By adapting to the evolving financial landscape, BDO Capital has enhanced its market presence and solidified relationships with both new and existing clients. This customer-centric approach has allowed the firm to secure significant engagements as the market continues to recover from recent economic challenges.
Driving Leadership in Investment Banking
BDO Capital’s leadership in the investment banking industry is evident in its focus on key areas such as debt capital markets and selective equity transactions. The firm has remained at the forefront of the industry by pursuing high-value projects, leveraging the strong financial backing of its parent company, BDO Unibank, one of the Philippines’ largest and most stable banks.
With a broad suite of financial services, including investment banking, stock brokerage, and commercial banking, BDO Capital has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients. These services have attracted numerous high-profile engagements and created a robust pipeline of transactions, further establishing the firm as a leader in the sector. BDO Capital’s ability to navigate complex financial deals, combined with its strong distribution capabilities, has allowed it to maintain its competitive edge in a dynamic market.
Key Project Wins: MRT-7 and Green Financing
At the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2024, BDO Capital also earned recognition for its role in two landmark projects: the MRT-7 Project and ACEN Corporation’s renewable energy initiative. These projects underscore the firm’s commitment to supporting the country’s infrastructure development and promoting sustainability through green financing.
BDO Capital was awarded the Project Infrastructure Finance Deal of the Year for its critical involvement in financing the MRT-7 Project, a major infrastructure initiative that will significantly improve Metro Manila’s public transportation system. The 22-kilometer Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the city, providing a faster and more efficient travel option for commuters. Once completed in 2025, the MRT-7 is expected to serve up to 850,000 passengers daily, making it a transformative project for the region’s economy and public transportation network.
The financing arrangement for the MRT-7 Project stands out as the largest peso-denominated syndicated loan ever in the Philippines, totaling PHP100 billion (approximately US$1.7 billion). BDO Capital’s role in structuring and securing this financing was instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to life, further solidifying its position as a leader in the infrastructure finance space.
In addition to its work on the MRT-7 Project, BDO Capital was honored with the Green Deal of the Year award for its role as Joint Issue Manager and Joint Lead Underwriter in ACEN Corporation’s issuance of PHP25 billion in perpetual preferred shares. This pioneering financial offering, which features a unique fixed-for-life structure, was designed to accelerate ACEN’s renewable energy expansion and diversify its funding sources. The successful issuance included the full exercise of an oversubscription option, enabling ACEN to move forward with the development of more than 1 gigawatt of renewable energy projects across the Philippines.
BDO Capital’s involvement in this green financing initiative reflects its dedication to supporting sustainable development in the country. By facilitating innovative financial products that promote renewable energy, the firm is playing a key role in helping the Philippines transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
A Legacy of Excellence and Industry Recognition
BDO Capital’s consistent success has earned it numerous accolades from both local and international organizations. The firm has been recognized as the Best Investment Bank in the Philippines by esteemed publications and associations, including the Investment House Association of the Philippines, The Asset, Finance Asia, Asiamoney, Alpha Southeast Asia, Global Finance, and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association. These awards reflect the firm’s ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional service and innovative financial solutions to its clients.
BDO Capital attributes its continued dominance in the domestic investment banking industry to several key factors. Its robust capital strength, backed by BDO Unibank, provides the financial stability needed to engage in large-scale transactions. Additionally, the firm’s strong distribution capability ensures that it can effectively reach a wide range of investors and clients, while its customer-centric approach allows it to offer customized solutions that align with the business goals of its clients, issuers, and investors.
