East West Banking Corporation proudly celebrates a major win as its Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG) is recognized with the Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards. This global distinction affirms EastWest’s growing prominence in delivering world-class wealth and investment management services tailored to Filipino investors.
Despite being a lean team of just 33 officers, EastWest TAMG has consistently delivered strong, above-market growth in assets under management (AUM), driven by disciplined strategies, expert execution, and a client-centric approach.
“This award is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, and the discipline and innovation our team brings to every portfolio,” shared Raul Victor De Guzman, Head of TAMG. “We are proud to offer institutional-grade investment solutions that are accessible, cost-effective, and aligned with the goals of the Filipino investor.”
Empowering Every Filipino Investor
Echoing the Bank’s broader mission, Raffy S. Algarra Jr., EastWest’s Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, emphasized:
“At EastWest, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to every Filipino. This award affirms our client-focused approach, grounded in trust, expertise, and real accessibility. TAMG’s success proves that we’re building meaningful value alongside our clients.”
Driving Exceptional Performance in 2024
Among TAMG’s key 2024 highlights were the top-tier performances of four unit-linked insurance funds managed for bancassurance partner EastWest Ageas:
- Equity VUL Fund: Achieved an industry-best tracking error of just 0.0079% vs. the PSEi.
- High Dividend Equity VUL Fund: Delivered a 19.23% return—711 basis points ahead of its closest peer.
- Peso Active Equity VUL Fund: Returned 7.43%, outperforming its benchmark by 155 basis points.
- Dollar Income Payout Fund: Achieved a 7.05% net return, 349 basis points over its closest peer.
These results underscore TAMG’s ability to deliver competitive, consistent returns across diverse market conditions.
Making Innovation and Access the Standard
TAMG offers a broad investment portfolio—ranging from Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) and investment management accounts, to fiduciary and escrow services—meeting the evolving needs of both retail and institutional clients.
In 2025 and beyond, TAMG will expand its offerings to include:
- Actively managed and PERA UITFs
- Gold investment options
- Seamless integration with Komo, EastWest’s digital banking platform
These efforts are especially geared toward digitally-savvy, younger investors looking for smart and simple ways to build wealth.
Unmatched Value and Cost Efficiency
Setting itself apart from competitors, TAMG offers one of the lowest trust fees in the Philippine market—just 0.9%, well below the 1.7% average. This allows clients to keep more of their earnings while benefiting from top-tier investment expertise.
With a relentless focus on innovation, accessibility, and efficiency, EastWest TAMG is redefining what wealth management can look like for Filipino investors—bringing global-caliber investment services closer to home, and making financial empowerment truly within reach for all.
