The Trust Banking Group of the Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) has solidified its reputation as a regional powerhouse in investment management after securing multiple prestigious awards. The bank was honored at The Asset Benchmark Research's Most Astute Investors 2025 awards, announced on January 19, 2026.
Recognizing Excellence in Fixed-Income Markets
PNB's trust division was celebrated for its outstanding performance across key bond markets. The group was named the Top Investment House – Local Currency Bonds 2025 and the Top Investment House – G3 Bonds 2025. These accolades underscore the bank's disciplined strategy and leading position in managing both Philippine peso and major international currency bond portfolios.
"We are honored to be once again acknowledged by Asset Benchmark Research," stated PNB President and CEO Edwin Bautista. He emphasized that the awards validate the strength of PNB's investment capabilities and the team's unwavering commitment to delivering superior client value.
Individual Accolades for Investment Leadership
The awards also spotlighted individual excellence within the Trust Banking Group. Senior Manager and Head of Investment and Execution, Albert Joseph Hampton, received dual recognition. He was named the Most Astute Investor – Local Currency Bonds 2025 and the Most Astute Investor – G3 Bond 2025.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized among Asia's most astute investors," Hampton remarked. He credited the achievement to the collaborative effort and deep market insights of the entire Trust Banking team.
A Legacy of Consistent Performance
These latest triumphs are part of a consistent track record for PNB with The Asset. In the previous year's awards, PNB Trust Banking was Highly Commended in the Top Investment Houses category, while Hampton was ranked as the 2nd Most Astute Investor in Portfolio Management.
This recognition in investment management complements other recent distinctions for the bank. Earlier in the year, both PNB and PNB Capital received multiple awards from The Asset Triple A Awards for their leadership in sustainable finance.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire Trust Banking team," said Jiah Santos, PNB Senior Vice President and Trust Banking Group Head and Chief Trust Officer. She praised the team's hard work and professionalism, which continue to drive strong results in local and international markets.
The Asset Benchmark Research's annual survey is widely regarded as one of the most respected evaluations of investment expertise across Asia, making PNB's wins a significant marker of its competitive standing in the region's financial landscape.
