Good News Pilipinas BPI wins multiple international awards for capital markets performance, financial research The first Philippine bank was recognized by various award-giving bodies in 2020. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its investment arm, BPI Capital Corporation, was cited by FinanceAsia magazine as the “Best of Southeast Asia”. BPI was recognized for its work in two major capital markets deals, namely AREIT, Inc.’s PHP 21.3-billion initial public offering (IPO) and the USD 1.1-billion secured green bond for the Star Energy Geothermal Group in Indonesia. “We are proud to have paved the way for the development of a new asset class for Filipino investors with the IPO of AREIT, Inc., which is the first issuance of its kind in the country,” said Rhoda Huang, BPI Capital president, “This is in keeping with BPI’s pioneering legacy and vision of building a better Philippines through innovative and excellent banking service.” BPI Capital led the management of the inaugural REIT issuance, acting as Sole Issue Manager, Joint Bookrunner, and Joint Lead Underwriter for the IPO.