First Metro forges alliance with Japanese securities firm

MANILA, Philippines - First Metro Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, has partnered with Tokai Tokyo Financial Holdings Inc. (TTFH), a Japan-based holding company primarily engaged in securities business.

In a statement, First Metro said they expect the strategic alliance to broaden the two companies’ product offerings and services for the benefit of their respective clients.

TTFH is among the top 10 publicly-listed securities companies in the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Aside from engaging in the purchase and sale of securities,  the Japan-based firm also provides financing and fund management services for clients in overseas markets, including Asian and European financial markets. 

TTFH and First Metro recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Japan to address their collaborative and mutual endeavors such as provision of products and services, information sharing on economic environment and the corporate sector, exchange programs for on-the-job trainees, establishment of investment trust products, and promotion of corporate finance businesses including financial advisory.

 â€œThis strategic partnership is a significant step in pursuing our goal to expand our business coverage in the Asian region. This will definitely open up a more diverse client base for First Metro, both here and abroad,” First Metro president Roberto Juanchito Dispo said.

First Metro and TTFH will seek to develop other possible areas of business cooperation, giving their respective clients access to a broader range of financial products and services.

In its disclosure to Japan Stock Exchange, TTFH said “it will aim to meet the growing needs of its valued clients through business cooperation with one of the largest financial institutions in the Philippines, as it recognizes great economic potential in the future of the ASEAN region where robust growth is expected.

“As a first step, TTFH will strengthen its provision of brokerage services of Philippine equities and relevant investment information for the purpose of helping its clients’ investment activities,”  it said.