BSP Governor Opens First Philippine Retail Investment Conference

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. stressed the continued positive outlook of the economy during his opening speech at the inaugural of the Philippine Retail Investment Conference.

The conference organized by CFA Society Philippines is part of a global series of events to promote Putting Investors First Month in May aimed at increasing awareness and uniting investment professionals to place investor’s interests first above all others. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event at SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

“As we welcome an integrated ASEAN economy, we expect greater opportunities to open up for retail investors,” says April Lee-Tan, CFA, president of CFA Society Philippines. “In order for us to fully realize our economic potential, investors must be able to trust their investment professionals to treat them honestly, competently, and ethically. CFA Society Philippines organized this conference to teach investors best practices, investment risks and their rights so that they will be smarter decision makers.”

The conference gathered together senior regulators, local and international investment professionals, and advisors to address common issues facing retail investors.

A highlight of the conference is a panel discussion on how to avoid investment scams with Hans Sicat, president of the Philippine Stock Exchange; Vida Chiong, deputy insurance commissioner of the Insurance Commission; Atty. Gerard Lukban, secretary of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, and Atty. Romeo Mendoza, Jr., general counsel of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“We are proud of the series of investor awareness activities organized by CFA Society Philippines, including the Financial Fitness Fun Run in February and ringing the closing bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange. To raise our commitment to the local investment community, CFA Institute and CFA Society Philippines will co-host the Philippine Investment Conference in October to highlight investment opportunities to professional investors in this exciting economy,” says Charles Yang, CFA, chair of the board of governors of CFA Institute, who delivered the conference’s closing address.

From a kargador to a millionaire: Nilo Omillo’s story

Nilo Omillo, a real estate broker for Vista Land for 22 years, is driving in style these days. In a recent ceremony awarding the exemplary brokers of the company, Vista Land Chairman and former Senate President Manny Villar personally handed him the key to a sleek Mercedes Benz E Series. For someone who used to clean bathrooms and knead dough in a bakery, to be rewarded as such means that Nilo, who still has the self-effacing quality of his old days, has reached a personal milestone.

Former Senate President and current Vista Land Chairman Manuel “Manny” Villar hands over a gold key symbolizing a sleek Mercedes Benz E Series to Camella top broker Nilo Omillo (third person from left) for his “work ethic, commitment to excellence and passion to serve.” Omillo, who used to be a kargador and janitor (among other odd jobs), has become a multi-millionaire by selling real estate properties of Vista Land.

BPI offers free access to BPI Express Mobile app to Globe subscribers

Most downloaded finance app becomes even more accessible

The BPI Express Mobile app, the most downloaded finance app in the country, becomes even more accessible, as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) today launches free access to the widely used app to Globe Telecom’s over 38 million prepaid, postpaid and TM customers.

From April 30 to August 31, 2014, Globe subscribers will enjoy having no data charges whenever they log on and transact using the BPI Express Mobile app.

“BPI has always been at the forefront of introducing new channels for our clients to access their accounts conveniently. The BPI Express Mobile app, our latest innovation, is doing very well. Since its re-launch in June last year, it has consistently been the number one downloaded finance app in the country,” says SVP Manuel C. Tagaza, Electronic Channels Group Head.