Alpha Southeast Asia’s Best Financial Institution Awards is the most conclusive awards program in banking and finance focused on Southeast Asia, putting Security Bank among the best in the region.

Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) once again emerged on top as it was recognized in five categories at the 11th Best Financial Institution Awards and 7th Annual Best Corporate-Institutional Investor Awards held in Singapore hosted by Alpha Southeast Asia last September 14, 2017. Over the years, Alpha Southeast Asia has continued to examine the credentials and track record of a select group of Asian financial institutions and corporates, and has bestowed awards accordingly.

Security Bank was called an “emerging banking powerhouse” for winning the coveted Best Bank in the Philippines award. Alpha Southeast Asia cited Security Bank for its strong growth and top-ranking return on assets, cost-to-income ratio, asset quality and non-performing loans reserve cover. Furthermore, the Bank has shown a significant improvement on profitability, net income and total shareholder returns.

On the same awards night, the Bank also received four Alpha Southeast Asia awards at the 7th Annual Best Corporate-Institutional Investor Awards. These awards were based on the votes received from more than 528 investors in Southeast Asia, U.S. and Europe from Alpha Southeast Asia’s poll of investors in 2017. The participants included fund managers with investment interests in Southeast Asia, large institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, funds of hedge funds, private banks, equity and fixed income brokers, and buy- and sell-side analysts. Alpha Southeast Asia has been running the first and only institutional investor poll focused on Southeast Asia.

Among the Philippine publicly-listed companies, Security Bank received recognition as: Most Organized Investor Relations; Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance; Most Consistent Dividend Policy; and Best Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility.

“Thanks to its resilient operations showing strong growth driven primarily by its core businesses, Security Bank (SECB) is today the best banking partner in the Philippines”, Alpha Southeast Asia further stated.

“I would like to share this success with our loyal partners and customers who continue to give their trust and confidence to Security Bank. We are humbled by the distinction accorded to us by Alpha Southeast Asia. These achievements further inspire us to be the best partner of our investors and the banking public. Security Bank shall remain steadfast in bringing the BetterBanking service to more people,” said Alfonso L. Salcedo, Jr., President and CEO of Security Bank Corporation.

The awards were received by Security Bank President & CEO Alfonso L. Salcedo, Jr. and SVP & Legal and Regulatory Affairs Group Head Melissa Aquino on behalf of the Bank.

The Best Financial Institution Awards and Annual Best Corporate-Institutional Investor Awards are both spearheaded by the Alpha Southeast Asia Magazine, an institutional investment magazine focusing on Southeast Asia composed of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.