Manila, Philippines — East West Banking Corporation proudly announces that its Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG) has received the prestigious Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering award at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s growing legacy of excellence in wealth and investment management.

Despite operating with a lean team of just 33 officers, EastWest TAMG manages an impressive asset base having achieved significant year-on-year growth in 2024. Over the past five years, TAMG has averaged better than market AUM growth, reflecting both disciplined investment strategies and consistent fund performance. This global recognition reinforces TAMG’s vision of delivering strategic, client-centric investment solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for both institutional and retail clients.

“This award is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, and the discipline and innovation our team brings to every portfolio,” said Raul Victor De Guzman, Head of Trust and Asset Management Group at EastWest. “We are proud to deliver institutional-grade investment solutions that remain accessible, cost-effective, and tailored for the Filipino investor.”

EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Raffy S. Algarra Jr., shared his view on the recent recognition: “At EastWest, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to every Filipino. This award affirms that our approach, grounded in trust, deep expertise, and genuine accessibility, is resonating with clients. The success of our Trust and Asset Management Group speaks to the kind of value we strive to create, always in step with our customers and their goals.”

 

Driving Superior Investment Performance

Among its most notable accomplishments in 2024, four unit-linked insurance funds managed by TAMG for bancassurance partner EastWest Ageas outperformed their respective peer groups:

  • The Equity VUL Fund, which tracks the Philippine Stock Exchange Index, posted a remarkably low tracking error of 0.0079%, the best in its category.
  • The High Dividend Equity VUL Fund delivered a 19.23% return, outperforming its closest competitor by 711 basis points.
  • The Peso Active Equity VUL Fund beat its peer by 155 basis points with a return of 7.43%.
  • The Dollar Income Payout Fund generated a 7.05% return net of payouts, 349 basis points higher than its closest peer.

 

Innovation and Accessibility in Investment

TAMG’s comprehensive suite includes Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), investment management accounts, fiduciary services, and escrow arrangements tailored for a wide spectrum of client needs, from institutional investors to individual clients planning their financial future.

In 2025 and beyond, EastWest TAMG plans to launch new investment products, including actively managed and PERA UITFs, gold investment options, and deeper integration with Komo, EastWest’s digital banking platform. This will make investment opportunities even more accessible, especially for a younger, digitally enabled market.

In parallel, the group is expanding its portfolio sales team and automating operational workflows to increase both client service levels and investment research capacity.

 

Market-Leading Efficiency and Value

Setting itself apart in a competitive market, TAMG also offers one of the lowest trust fees in the Philippine market at just 0.9%, compared to the average 1.7% charged by competitors. This efficient model allows clients to maximize returns, further strengthening TAMG’s value proposition.