Metrobank’s Nero Porlas recognized as one of ASEAN’s best investment professionals 

As a result of his keen investment savvy and experience, Christian Nero Porlas, Head of Multi-Asset Investments of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), has been recognized as one of the top 25 investment professionals in the ASEAN region.

In Citywire Asia’s Top 25 ASEAN Awards for 2025, Porlas was deemed one of the “most influential product gatekeepers and investment professionals across the ASEAN region”.

Citywire is an online publication focused on the global wealth industry, with more than 60 specialist journalists around the world writing 27,500 stories every year in five languages to more than 65,000 wealth professionals who invest more than USD 120 trillion in assets worldwide.

The Top 25 ASEAN Awards winners were selected based on the following criteria:

• Must be primarily based in ASEAN region and/or work primarily with ASEAN-based clients
• A senior industry leader within the ASEAN product and investment selection communities
• Have made tangible improvements in the product selection, digital platform or personnel at their institution over the last 12 months
• An individual with a successful and proven track record in investment decisions and product selection

“This is truly an honor not only for me but for Metrobank and the clients we serve,” said Porlas. “We definitely put our customers and their wealth in good hands as we develop the products and services that they need.”

He said that among the innovations that Metrobank introduced are the investment management accounts that prioritize goal-based and risk-profile conscious allocations within the bank’s UITF (Unit Investment Trust Fund) offerings.

“This innovation has particularly resonated with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking diversified portfolio exposure without the need for extensive monitoring and intervention” said Porlas.

He emphasized the importance of Metrobank’s digital tools to empower clients with their investment needs. These include Wealth Manager, a platform that allows for real-time view of investment portfolios and transactions, as well as Wealth Insights, where market updates, portfolio advice, and investment ideas and insights are published.

“These digital platforms help drive positive investment outcomes. We combine this with data analytics tools that generate valuable portfolio insights, which help us identify and implement strategic investment actions. This is how we harness technology to maintain the trust we have built with our clients over the years,” said Porlas.

According to the Citywire website, its Asia team carefully evaluated pitch submissions, industry conversations, editorial coverage, and peer dialogue to come up with the Top 25 ASEAN Selectors who shape investment and product conversations within the region.

This is the fourth year that Citywire has held these awards.

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