WINNING | SM Investments strengthens governance across SM Group

Insider Spotlight

• SM Investments reinforces investor confidence through independent board leadership and stronger governance oversight
• SM Group companies secure top corporate governance ratings in the 2026 ASEAN assessment
• Governance standards support sustainable growth across retail, banking, property and portfolio investments
  
  
  
  

SM Investments Corp. is reinforcing investor confidence through independent board leadership, stronger accountability and governance oversight across its diversified businesses in retail, banking, property and portfolio investments.

The big picture

The SM Group parent company earned its third consecutive Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the highest distinction under the corporate governance awards program.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. and China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) also secured Five Golden Arrows, while BDO Unibank, Inc. and Belle Corporation received Four Golden Arrows.

Why it matters

Strong corporate governance helps safeguard shareholder interests, improve transparency and guide investment decisions as conglomerates navigate increasingly complex business environments.

“We aim to continuously create long-term value for our stakeholders, and strong governance is central to that,” said Amando M. Tetangco Jr., chair of the board of SM Investments in a statement.

Tetangco, a former two-term governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is SM Investments’ first independent chairman.

Driving accountability

The board oversees corporate strategy, risk management and major investment decisions, including capital allocation, financial obligations and shareholder returns.

Individual operating companies maintain their own boards and management teams, preserving accountability across the conglomerate’s businesses.

The recognitions reflect governance practices assessed under the 2025 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, according to a company release issued Oct. 30.

By the numbers

The assessment evaluates shareholder rights, equitable treatment, sustainability, stakeholder relations, disclosure practices and board accountability.

These measures provide investors with a framework for comparing governance standards across publicly listed companies.

“The achievement reflects SM Investments' continuing commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship, with sound corporate governance serving as a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder value,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and chief executive officer of SM Investments.

The bigger context

The recognition coincides with SM Group’s 68th anniversary since the opening of its first Shoemart store.

As the conglomerate expands, its governance framework continues to emphasize the founding principles of trust and integrity while supporting sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder value. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma