Javier, Santiago named among Asia’s best

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Investor, one of the leading regional financial publications, has named two Filipina asset managers had been named among the top 25 Women in Asian asset management.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) senior vice president and Asset Management and Trust Group (AMTG) head Maria Theresa Marcial-Javier, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assistant governor of the Treasury Department Ramona Gertudes Santiago were recognized as the most influential in the Philippines’ asset management business.

The recognition comes in conjunction with the International Women’s Day last March 8. The first time The Asian Investor recognized Asian female asset managers was in 2011, which unfortunately did not include a single Philippine representative.

Javier said that the award confirms BPI’s ability to compete and make a difference not only in the local market but also in the broader Asian region.

“It is a reflection of the increasing importance of women in the business community and the role that we play in proving that diversity and equal opportunity in business continue to be relevant,” the BPI senior vice president added. “I hope it inspires women executives to put their best in their chosen profession.”

She added that the citation is shared with the AMTG team who is really behind the milestones achieved by BPI Asset Management. “It also means BPI has what it takes to compete and make a difference not only in the local market but in the broader Asian region. After all, we make the best happen.”

As BSP assistant governor of the Treasury Department, Santiago oversees two important functions aimed at achieving the bank’s primary mandate of price and financial stability.

The first is managing the central bank’s international reserves where she focuses, not just on getting the highest possible return.

“Winnie” as Santiago is popularly known, must ensure of achieving risk-adjusted returns through diversification and the use of a robust risk management framework.

Secondly, she oversees the conduct of foreign exchange and open market operations,  keeping  a  close  eye  on  the relationships in the different financial  markets  in  order  to strike the right balance between applying technical methods and following her gut feel.

The formal recognition and awarding of winners will take place on May 20 at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. This will be staged along with Asian Investor’s inaugural Women in Asset Management forum.