The upgrade supports the bank's strategy to consolidate its leadership position in the booming Philippines financial markets where a further wave of liberalisation is expected to intensify competition and increase trading volumes. The move also demonstrates the firm's commitment to improving risk management and efficiency in its treasury operations.

Metrobank has implemented Misys' Opics Plus, a front-to-back-office transaction processing solution across a wide range of instruments including derivatives, fixed income, equities and treasury trades.

The new Treasury system will further boost the Bank's capability to provide clients with better and more sophisticated products as it optimizes the expanded derivatives license granted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The upgrade will support the booking and risk management of its trading operations using a range of derivatives products such as Swaps, Options, Credit Derivatives and Structured Products.

Fernand Antonio Tansingco, Executive Vice President and Treasury Group Head of Metrobank said, "We see a steady increase in trading volume, and as such, we aim to minimise transaction costs and eliminate manual processes wherever possible. Implementing a single solution across our product offerings will help us meet our operational targets and give us the flexibility to pursue our strategic objectives including the expansion of our derivatives business."

Tansingco added that when Metrobank applied for its expanded derivatives license, emphasis was placed on having the correct systems to manage risk, monitor exposure and aid in compliance. "We are confident that our partnership with Misys has helped towards this end," Tansingco affirms.

Graeme Beardsell, Regional Manager Misys Asia Pacific said, "We continue to work with Metrobank to ensure that the growth of its trading activities in a volatile and growing market is underpinned by a system that delivers operational efficiencies, flexibility and time-to-mo-market advantage together with no-compromise risk management and best of breed analytical tools."