The Gov. Jose B. Fernandez, Jr. Center for Sustainable Finance (JBF Center) held an online focus group discussion on the Assessment of the Asset Management Industry in the Philippines: The Case of the Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Sector on May 16, 2020.
The JBF Center, through the support of CFA Society Philippines, is currently conducting a 3-phased research study on the asset management industry in the Philippines.  The JBF Center organized an FGD to bring 12 selected industry players and regulators together to engage in a meaningful discussion and gain insight on the status, problems and prospects of the industry that will contribute to the completion of the study.
The FGD was hosted by CFA Society Philippines Program Manager, Ms. Rizchelle Sampang-Manaog. 
The participants were welcomed by the JBF Center Executive Director, Dr. Felipe O. Calderon, who also thanked the Society for choosing AIM through the JBF Center to produce this study, and the CFA Institute and Fund Managers Association of the Philippines for their generous contribution in making this endeavor possible.  Dr. Calderon also introduced the author of the study and FGD presenter, Ms. Arlene Gutierrez.
Ms. Gutierrez is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship, and concurrently the Associate Dean of the College of Economics and Management at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, where  she was awarded the 2020 UPLB Outstanding Teacher Award (Junior Category). Ms. Gutierrez received her BS Agribusiness Management degree from the same school, and her Master in Business Administration degree (with distinction) from the Asian Institute Management in 2015. She has published journal articles on topics related to Agribusiness and Investments.
The FGD addressed the lingering issue regarding the lack of a formal study on the status, problems and prospects of the industry, notwithstanding the attractiveness of UITF as an investment avenue for consumers. The research and discussion aimed to assess the supply and demand side of the sector by  examining the market landscape through the industry participants, determining the current problems faced by the key players, assessing the profile of the UITF investors in the Philippines, evaluating the level of awareness and perception among Filipino investors on UITF, and recommending strategies to address the challenges of the sector. 
The FGD concluded with a Q&A moderated by CFA Institute Director for Society Advocacy Engagement APAC, Dr. Stratos Pourzitakis, followed by CFA Society Philippines Chairman and President, Dr. Robert B. Ramos’ closing remarks.

The JBF Center for Sustainable Finance provides venues for research and discussion of issues in the banking and financial services industry and relentlessly pursues strategies that improve the skill set of Asian financial managers. We are always finding ways to come up with programs and activities for a meaningful exchange of insights and ideas to support local and private banking practice. Should you have any specific topics that you would like for us to conduct a research/study or facilitate a forum on and for any further inquiries, you may call 892-4011 local 2622 or email us at sdelrosario@aim.edu.