Investment banking undergoes transformation

SINGAPORE, June 5 (Reuters) - The investment banking industry is undergoing a gradual but impactful transformation, shifting from a highly manual, paper-driven process to a fully digital ecosystem, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Technology has redefined how capital is raised, trades are executed, and information is consumed, empowering both issuers and investors.

Today, digital platforms allow individuals to trade and invest with ease, anytime and anywhere, using smartphones or laptops. This convenience is driven by advances in software, data infrastructure, and connectivity, making financial markets more accessible, transparent, and responsive to real-time developments. The explosion of online information, from corporate disclosures to financial news and market speculation, has also reshaped investor behaviour. Digitalisation has not only democratised access to capital markets but has also heightened the demand for speed, efficiency, and insight.

In this rapidly changing environment, companies face growing complexity: adapting to new regulations, engaging with digitally savvy investors, and staying competitive in a financial technology (fintech)-driven world.

Investment banks like BDO Capital & Investment Corp. are helping businesses meet these challenges. By integrating technology into their sales, distribution, and operations processes, they are expanding market participation and enabling more efficient capital raising. Whether simplifying bond listings through electronic submission platforms or leveraging digital tools for broader investor outreach, the role of investment banks is evolving from mere dealmakers to digital enablers of growth.

Digital Innovation Reshapes Capital Markets

For bond issuances, investment banks have embraced innovations such as the e-Securities Issue Portal (e-SIP), which enables the fully digital submission of corporate bond listing requirements with the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx). This transition has replaced the paper-heavy, redundant process with a more streamlined and efficient approach. In the equity space, platforms like PSE Easy now allow local small investors (LSIs) to subscribe to offerings conveniently through digital trading applications, further encouraging broader retail participation.

Looking ahead, the next frontier lies in developing a centralised digital bond exchange, a platform that would make investing in bonds as seamless as buying stocks, eliminating excessive documentation and unlocking easier access for all investor segments. The public sector is also accelerating this momentum. After the launch of Bonds.ph, which enabled online subscriptions to Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs), the Bureau of the Treasury announced plans to issue RTBs in smaller denominations via mobile app. These innovations reflect a broader shift toward accessibility and inclusion in capital markets.

Investment houses, including BDO Capital, are at the forefront of this evolution. By adopting platforms like e-SIP and supporting digital innovation across issuances, BDO Capital is helping issuers connect with today’s technology-driven investors while reinforcing trust and operational efficiency—core pillars in the modern investment landscape.

Digitalisation Driving Market Transformation

Digitalisation continues to reshape the Philippine dealmaking landscape, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and now deeply embedded in how businesses operate and grow. The rise of local venture capital firms, such as Gentree Fund, is poised to accelerate the adoption of technology across both consumer markets and the investment banking sector. It has actively backed early-stage tech ventures, particularly in e-commerce and digital infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the next wave of mergers, acquisitions, and potential public listings. While many of these startups remain in their growth phases, their scaling trajectory suggests that more tech-enabled companies will soon be primed for capital market participation.

As technology continues to disrupt financial services, from artificial intelligence (AI)-powered deal modelling to fintech-driven payments, companies need advisers who can bridge traditional finance with the digital economy. BDO Capital, for example, has consistently supported clients exploring acquisitions or partnerships in the technology space, demonstrating a strong grasp of both the investor landscape and the evolving digital ecosystem.

Investment banks that understand these dynamics are uniquely positioned to advise companies on scaling, consolidating, or tapping into public markets. With deep market insight and digital capability, BDO Capital is well-positioned to guide businesses in seizing these opportunities. The bank also sees AI as a game changer—streamlining internal workflows and enabling its bankers to focus more on strategy and value creation for clients.