But BPI Wealth, the wealth management arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), says this mindset is changing, with younger investors becoming more open to new opportunities amid a volatile investment environment.
“Right now, typical Filipino investors are still not in the aggressive risk profile, but for the younger ones, we see that changing. We see them more open to new opportunities in terms of investments,” said Irene Ang, Head of Personal Wealth at BPI Wealth.
Peso-denominated global funds
This comes as BPI Wealth launched its new peso-denominated share classes, making it easier for Filipino investors to access international markets without the complexity of purchasing or holding foreign currency.
For new investors, this can be done for as low as P1,000 through e-Invest, BPI Wealth’s digital investment onboarding platform. Existing UITF investors, meanwhile, may access the new share classes through the BPI app.
Embracing broader participation
Before the introduction of peso share classes, participation in these global funds traditionally required investors to hold and invest in US dollars.
By offering peso-denominated options, BPI Wealth is seeking to broaden participation in global equity and technology markets, making it easier for Filipino investors to diversify and grow their wealth beyond the Philippines.
“At BPI Wealth, we have long been at the forefront of allowing Filipino investors to access global markets. Today, BPI Wealth offers several global investment funds in peso share classes, providing investors access to established global equity, technology, and bond income strategies through Philippine pesos,” said BPI Wealth president and CEO Maria Theresa Marcial said in a statement.
Innovation-driven opportunities
BPI Wealth chief investment officer Luis Antonio “Tono” Zialcita said in a statement global markets continue to present attractive opportunities for long-term investors seeking diversification and growth.
“Global investing remains an important component of a well-diversified portfolio. Across developed and emerging markets, we continue to see opportunities driven by innovation, structural growth trends, and the resilience of leading global companies. These new peso share classes allow more Filipino investors to access those opportunities while benefiting from professional portfolio management and global diversification,” Zialcita said.
Two fund options
The lineup includes the BPI World Technology Feeder Fund, which invests in the BlackRock World Technology Fund.
Through its peso share class, or Class P, investors can gain exposure to some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Nvidia, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Apple, as well as long-term themes such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
BPI Wealth is also offering a peso-denominated share class for the BPI Global Equity Fund-of-Funds, a globally diversified strategy managed by BPI Wealth.
The fund provides exposure to developed and emerging markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, through multiple global investment funds with varying strategies.
BPI Wealth actively builds the portfolio by setting geographic exposure and calibrating the mix based on its assessment of relative opportunities across markets.
The BPI Global Equity Fund-of-Funds has been recognized by CFA Society Philippines as the country’s Best Managed Fund in the Equity (Dollar) category for nine years.
“When we look at things from a portfolio point of view, having these types of asset classes lowers volatility overall,” Zialcita said. “Having some exposure to global equities will actually benefit investors in terms of lowering risks associated with market volatility.” —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
