COL Part
COL Part
A 1 9 9 9 1 0 0 6 5
Company Name
C O L F I N A N C I A L G R O U P , I N C .
e T o w e r s E x c h a n g e R o a d , O r t i g a
s C e n t e r , P a s i g C i t y
1 7 - A C F D B r o k e r
COMPANY INFORMATION
Company’s Email Address Company’s Telephone Number/s Mobile Number
Unit 2401-B East Tower, Tektite Towers, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Note: In case of death, resignation or cessation of office of the officer designated as contact person, such incident shall be reported to the
Commission within thirty (30) calendar days from the occurrence thereof with information and complete contact details of the new contact
person designated.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
4. Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter: COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
9. Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable
10. Securities registered pursuant to Sections 8 and 12 of the SRC, or Sec. 4 and 8 of the RSA
11. Are any or all of these securities listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange?
Yes [ x ] No [ ]
(a) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 17 of the SRC and SRC Rule 17.1 thereunder or Section
11 of the RSA and RSA Rule 11(a)-1 thereunder, and Sections 26 and 141 of The Corporation Code of the
Philippines during the preceding twelve (12) months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports);
Yes [ x ] No [ ]
(b) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past ninety (90) days.
Yes [ x ] No [ ]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
PART I- BUSINESS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Business
Company Overview 2
Business Model 2
Products and Services 3
Competitor Analysis 5
Business Strategy 6
Customers 6
Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises, Concessions or Royalty Agreements 6
Transactions with and/or Dependence on Related Parties 7
Government Regulation 7
Employees 8
Risk Factors and Risk Management 8
Item 2. Properties 10
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 10
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 10
PART II- OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 5. Market for Issuer’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Market Information 11
Holders of Common Equity 11
Dividends 12
Recent Sales of Unregistered or Exempt Securities 12
Discussion on Compliance with leading practice on Corporate Governance 12
Item 6. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Industry and Economic Review 13
Business Review 13
Prospects for the Future 19
Item 7. Financial Statements 19
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 20
Item 9. Audit and Audit-Related Fees 20
PART III- CONTROL AND COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Issuer
Board of Directors 20
Executive Officers 23
Term of Office 25
Resignation/Retirement of Directors and Executive Officers as of December 31, 2024 25
Significant Employees 25
Family Relationships 25
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings 26
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Standard Arrangements 26
Warrants and Options 27
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements 27
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Security Ownership of Certain Record and Beneficial Owners 27
Security Ownership of Management 28
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 29
PART IV- EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
Item 14. Exhibits and Reports on SEC Form 17-C 29
SIGNATURES 32
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULES 33
PART I - BUSINESS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Business
Company Overview
COL Financial Group, Inc. ("COL", "COL Financial", or the "Parent Company") is a publicly listed
company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE”), incorporated on August 16, 1999.
COL Financial is widely recognized as the leading online stockbroker in the Philippines, serving over half
a million clients. Since launching the country’s first non-bank online trading platform in 2005, COL has
been at the forefront of democratizing stock market access. At a time when investing was largely limited
to a select few, COL broke barriers by leveraging technology and education to empower everyday Filipinos
to take control of their financial future.
To build investor confidence and promote financial literacy, COL invested in free seminars, research tools,
and educational resources, supporting self-directed investors with the knowledge they needed to make
informed investment decisions.
As the market evolved, so did COL. In 2010, the Parent Company launched a dedicated advisory team to
serve high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients. By 2014, COL expanded into the fund
distribution space, offering access to a broad range of local and global investment products.
In 2019, COL Investment Management Inc. (“CIMI”), COL’s asset management arm, was established to
provide professionally managed solutions tailored to the Filipino investor. In 2022 and 2023, CIMI
launched two in-house mutual funds, namely:
These funds reflect COL’s continued commitment to making expert-led investment solutions more
accessible to the public.
In 2024, COL made a strategic decision to wind down its Hong Kong operations thru COL Securities (HK)
Limited (“COLHK” or the “HK Subsidiary”). With the entry of large discount brokerage firms offering
near-zero commissions and a rapidly changing investment landscape, maintaining long-term viability
became increasingly difficult. The HK Subsidiary ceased trading operations on May 30, 2024, and is
expected to complete its deregistration by August 31, 2025.
Today, COL continues to be the most trusted online stockbroker in the Philippines, with a consistent focus
on technology innovation, investor empowerment, and financial education. As the financial industry
transforms, COL is evolving into a full-scale investment platform, enabling Filipinos to build, grow, track,
and protect their wealth across multiple asset classes, while staying true to its founding mission of financial
inclusion and empowerment.
Business Model
COL Financial is driven by the belief that every Filipino deserves the opportunity to live a richer life—
regardless of age, income level, or investment knowledge. Staying true to this mission, COL has made
investing more accessible to all, from seasoned market participants to first-time investors.
The business model of COL is anchored on creating long-term value for its customers by addressing their
evolving needs through financial education, a broad range of ethical products and services, and expert
insights. This approach ensures that clients are equipped with both the knowledge and the right investment
solutions to meet their financial goals—no matter where they are in their investing journey.
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COL Financial generates a significant portion of its revenue from its core stock brokerage operations in the
Philippines. Its key revenue streams include:
Looking ahead, COL Financial remains focused on supporting Filipinos in building wealth by continuously
expanding its investment offerings, enhancing its technology-driven solutions, and solidifying its position
as the country’s leading online broker.
COL Financial takes pride in its array of value-driven products and services that are designed to provide
its customers with an optimal investing experience:
1. Investment Products
Securities Trading
COL offers a robust online platform where customers can trade various securities listed on the PSE,
including common shares, preferred shares, warrants, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), and real estate
investment trusts (“REITs”). This enables investors to easily access and manage a broad range of
investment options.
Customers can participate in Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”), and Follow-on Public Offerings
(“FOOs”), and Tender Offers through COL's online platform, with a seamless process that simplifies
payment remittances, making the subscription process more convenient.
Through strategic partnerships with major asset management firms, COL offers access to over 70 local
and global mutual funds and unit investment trust funds (“UITFs”), providing a low-cost and
diversified investment avenue for customers. This service is ideal for those who prefer professional
management without actively managing their investments.
Margin Lending
Eligible clients can leverage COL’s margin facility, borrowing funds to expand their investment
positions. This service allows clients to access more capital for trading without requiring the full cash
up front.
2. Investment Services
COL provides personalized advisory services through both institutional business groups (IBG) and
high-net-worth client advisory teams. These services offer tailored investment strategies designed to
align with clients’ financial objectives and market conditions.
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Agency and Advisory Accounts
For clients seeking hands-on portfolio management, COL provides either managed accounts or
advisory services, depending on the client’s needs. This is particularly suited for high-net-worth
individuals looking for professional guidance in managing their investments.
The full-service trading platform, complemented by a mobile app, allows clients to trade securities,
access research tools, and manage portfolios on-the-go.
COL provides in-depth research on stocks and funds, giving clients the necessary tools to make
informed investment decisions. This includes comprehensive company analysis, technical analysis,
and market briefings, empowering investors with insights to navigate the market.
Automatic Investing
The Easy Investment Program (EIP) allows clients to automate their investments in stocks and funds,
promoting disciplined investing without the need for constant monitoring.
Investor Education
COL prioritizes financial literacy through free seminars, webinars, and workshops. Educational
initiatives like the COL Conversations and Expert Huddle series, offer valuable insights for both
beginner and advanced investors. These programs help clients understand market dynamics and refine
their investment strategies.
COL leverages its social media channels and YouTube to provide accessible, on-demand content for
investors. These platforms also facilitate engagement, allowing clients to interact with experts and
peers.
Customer Support
COL’s customer service is available via email, live chat, and social media to address any inquiries or
concerns. Specialized teams handle a variety of customer needs, ensuring a personalized and efficient
experience. This includes account-related transactions, technical support, and tailored assistance for
premium clients. COL continues to invest in expanding and improving its customer support channels
to enhance service delivery.
5. Customer-Centric Initiatives
In addition to its online services, COL maintains Investor Centers in key locations (Pasig, Cebu and
Davao) to provide personalized, face-to-face assistance for clients who prefer in-person interactions.
These centers serve as touchpoints for educational events, market updates, and customer support.
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Digital Communities
Through its active social media presence, COL engages with a wide base of investors, providing them
with market updates, educational content, and opportunities for direct interaction with the Parent
Company’s experts. COL’s digital channels have grown substantially, helping foster a sense of
community among Filipino investors.
Competitor Analysis
There are over 30 online stockbrokers in the Philippines, offering varying levels of services. Here is a
comparison of some of the features of COL against its three (3) nearest competitors:
COL Financial is well-equipped to compete effectively and maintain its leadership position in the market
for the following reasons:
3. Trust of Clients: With over 550,000 clients as of end 2024, COL has earned the trust of a
significant number of investors using its products and services. This reflects COL's credibility
and reputation in the market.
4. Client Education: COL invests in educating its clients, providing research, guidance, and
expert advice through its face-to-face events, website, and other online channels. This
commitment to client education ensures that clients and the general investing public are well-
informed and guided in their investment journey.
5. Wide Reach: COL has a strong online presence and investor centers in key cities, allowing it
to have extensive touchpoints with its clients for excellent service. Moreover, through its
financial literacy advocacy programs, COL effectively reaches a broad audience, promoting
investment awareness among Filipinos on a larger scale.
6. Fund Distribution Platform: COL’s fund platform offers a wide variety of pre-selected global
and local mutual funds and UITFs from the top fund providers in the country. This gives COL’s
customers a wider range of investment products for their different investing needs and
preferences, in addition to making it easier for clients to invest in both stocks and funds using
only one platform.
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Business Strategy
COL Financial is committed to building long-term, sustainable growth by putting investors at the center of
its strategy. As a leading financial services provider, COL focuses on empowering Filipinos to achieve
financial independence through accessible, innovative, and value-driven investment solutions. This
strategy is built on five core pillars:
1. Accessibility
COL is committed to breaking barriers in investing by offering a secure, seamless, and user-friendly
online platform. COL continuously enhances its digital infrastructure to ensure a reliable and intuitive
investing experience, making wealth-building accessible to a broader audience.
2. Investor Education
Recognizing that informed investors make better decisions, COL actively promotes financial literacy.
Through educational campaigns, seminars, research reports, and multimedia content, the company
provides clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the markets confidently.
Comprehensive market research and timely investment analysis form the foundation of COL Financial’s
value proposition. By delivering data-driven insights, market trends, and actionable strategies, COL
enables investors to make well-informed financial decisions aligned with their goals.
To meet the evolving needs of investors, COL Financial continuously explores opportunities to expand
its product offerings. With a focus on managed portfolios and new investment solutions, COL is
committed to innovation that empowers clients at every stage of their financial journey.
Sustainable growth requires disciplined execution. COL Financial optimizes resources, streamlines
operations, and enhances risk management frameworks to improve efficiency and deliver long-term
shareholder value. Its focus on scalability ensures high service standards and financial strength as it
grows.
Customers
The business of COL is not dependent upon a single customer or a few customers that a loss of any one of
them would have a material adverse effect on COL and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Further, there is
no customer that accounts for, or based upon existing transactions, will account for 20.00% or more of
COL’s total sales.
The Parent Company filed the following applications for registration of trademark with the Intellectual
Property Office (“IPO”):
COL believes, however, that its operation is not contingent on the effectivity of its trademark registered
with the IPO. The Parent Company further believes it can continue with its operations under any other
trademark.
In the ordinary course of business, COL executes certain customer transactions through CTS Global Equity
Group, Inc., a related party with common stockholders.
The Parent Company also provides administrative support to its local subsidiaries: CIMI, CEIUMF, and
CSGEUMF. Additionally, COL receives trail fees from CIMI for the distribution of the mutual funds it
manages.
All other transactions involving COL Financial and its subsidiaries with directors, major stockholders, or
companies affiliated with them are related to its brokerage business. These transactions, including trading
activities, are executed, priced, and settled on arm’s length terms, similar to how COL would engage with
unrelated parties. This policy ensures that COL operates impartially, preventing any conflicts of interest
which may adversely affect the interests of all stockholders.
To further mitigate potential conflicts of interest and uphold fairness, any material related party transactions
must adhere to the Parent Company’s Related Party Transactions Policy. Such transactions require the
approval of two-thirds of the Board of Directors (“BOD”), including a majority vote from independent
directors.
Government Regulation
The securities industry in the Philippines is heavily regulated. As a broker/dealer, COL is required to adhere
to rules set by several authorities, including the SEC, PSE, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (“BIR”), the
Capital Markets Integrity Corporation (“CMIC”) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (“AMLC”).
Any changes to these regulations or their enforcement could impact COL’s operations and profitability.
COL does not currently solicit orders from customers. Should it decide to engage in this activity in the
future, it would be subject to additional regulations governing sales practices.
Broker/dealers must also comply with the SEC’s Risk-Based Capital Adequacy Ratio (“RBCA”)
requirements, which ensure that a firm’s liquid capital is sufficient to cover its risks. COL must maintain a
minimum RBCA of 110.00% and net liquid capital of at least ₱5.00 million. Failure to meet these standards
could result in the suspension or loss of its broker/dealer license. Furthermore, any changes to these
regulations could restrict operations that require significant capital, such as trading, and limit COL’s ability
to pay dividends, service debt, or redeem shares. Large financial losses or a significant reduction in capital
could also hinder COL’s growth.
In addition, COL’s subsidiaries, CIMI, CEIUMF, and CSGEUMF, are regulated by the SEC and must
comply with the Investment Company Act and the Securities Regulation Code (“SRC”).
This regulatory framework is crucial in ensuring COL operates within the bounds of the law, but it also
presents challenges as new rules or enforcement changes can impact its business strategies and operations.
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Employees
The actual number of full-time employees of COL and its subsidiaries for 2024 and the projected number
of employees for 2025 to complement its operational requirements are broken down as follows:
2025 2024
Executives 3 3
Senior Officers 16 16
Junior Officers 58 53
Professional/Technical/Others 106 88
TOTAL 183 160
The employees of both the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are not subject to any collective bargaining
agreements (CBA).
Operating in the stock brokerage and fund distribution industry presents a range of risks that require
proactive management and strategic mitigation. These risks include:
The business is highly sensitive to market conditions, economic cycles, and investor sentiment. Periods of
market volatility, economic downturns, and geopolitical uncertainties can lead to lower trading volumes,
reduced investor participation, and revenue fluctuations.
The industry is subject to stringent regulatory oversight, with evolving policies from financial regulators.
Changes in regulations, tax laws, or compliance requirements may impact operations, increase costs, or
impose restrictions on product offerings.
As a digital-first platform, system reliability, data security, and technological advancements are critical.
Cyber threats, data breaches, and system downtimes could impact client trust and business continuity.
Keeping pace with technological innovations is essential to maintaining competitive advantages.
The rise of new financial technologies, alternative investment platforms, and competitive brokerage
services pose a risk to market share. Differentiation through innovation, client-centric solutions, and
enhanced user experience is crucial to sustaining growth.
A decline in trading volumes or assets under management could affect revenue streams. Additionally,
fluctuations in interest rates and inflation may impact profitability and operational costs.
Investor preferences and behaviors are evolving, driven by access to financial information, investment
trends, and economic shifts. Ensuring strong client engagement, financial education, and personalized
services is essential to maintaining and growing the client base.
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Operational and Talent Risks
Efficient execution of transactions, robust risk management frameworks, and operational excellence are
vital. Additionally, attracting, developing, and retaining skilled professionals in an evolving financial
landscape remains a challenge, particularly in specialized areas like wealth management and investment
advisory.
To safeguard its business and continue delivering value to clients, COL has implemented the following
proactive risk management strategies, among others:
COL maintains strict adherence to financial regulations through a dedicated compliance team that
monitors regulatory developments and ensures timely implementation of necessary adjustments.
Regular coordination with regulators and industry bodies allows COL to stay ahead of evolving
compliance requirements.
COL actively educates investors through regular market briefings, research reports, and financial
literacy programs, ensuring clients remain engaged even in volatile markets.
To diversify investment options, COL Fund Source offers a broad selection of mutual funds and
UITFs, allowing clients to explore alternative investment opportunities beyond stocks.
COL continuously improves its internal processes through automation, ensuring operational
accuracy and efficiency.
Recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining talent, COL invests in leadership
development programs, training initiatives, and competitive compensation packages to build a
strong and capable workforce.
Employee engagement programs and succession planning ensure business continuity and a
sustainable talent pipeline.
COL is expanding its wealth management services and broadening its product offerings to cater to
a wider range of investors.
Personalized investment solutions, enhanced customer support, and data-driven insights help
deepen client relationships and strengthen retention efforts.
While these mitigation strategies address key risks, this list is not exhaustive. The financial services
industry is continuously evolving, requiring COL to remain agile, forward-thinking, and responsive to
emerging threats and opportunities. By reinforcing its compliance efforts, investing in technology,
strengthening its workforce, and deepening client engagement, COL ensures that it remains well-positioned
as the most trusted investment service provider in the Philippines.
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Item 2. Properties
Leased Properties
The following table shows the list of properties being leased by the Parent Company as of December 31,
2024:
COL prioritizes the upkeep of its offices and storage facilities to provide a conducive environment for both
its employees and customers.
The premises are covered by lease arrangements typically for a period of one (1) to three (3) years and
expiring at various dates. The lease on the properties is renewable upon mutual agreement of the parties.
Owned Properties
In 2017, COL purchased an office space at the PSE One Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City with an
initial cost of =
P17.50 million. This office space is being held for capital appreciation.
COL’s other properties consist of various computer equipment and related accessories as well as
proprietary software developed specifically for its online trading operations. COL directly owns a Trading
Right in the PSE.
Limitations on Properties
Aside from the lease agreements mentioned above, COL’s properties are free from any mortgage, lien, or
encumbrance.
Properties to be Acquired
COL is not involved in any legal proceedings that it considers as material, pending or threatened against
it, its directors, any nominee for election as director, executive officer, underwriter or control person of
COL or in which any of COL's property is the subject.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
covered by this annual report.
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PART II - OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 5. Market for Issuer's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Market Information
The common shares of COL Financial were listed on the PSE on July 12, 2006, under the ticker symbol
"COL". As of December 31, 2024, the total number of outstanding shares increased to 5,949,999,998
following the payment of a 25.00% stock dividend on November 14, 2024. This resulted in an increase in
the number of shares by 1,189,999,998 and a market capitalization of P
=9.82 billion as of end 2024, based
on the closing price of =
P1.65 per share.
The adjusted high and low sales prices of COL shares, reflecting the stock dividend, for each quarter over
the past two (2) years are as follows:
2024 2023
High Low High Low
st
1 Quarter 2.14 1.68 2.58 2.27
2nd Quarter 1.94 1.70 2.48 2.28
3rd Quarter 1.88 1.65 2.45 2.33
4th Quarter 2.18 1.55 2.37 1.95
As of February 28, 2025, there are 31 holders of common shares of COL. The top 20 common shareholders
of the Parent Company are as follows:
Percentage of Total
No. of Common
Name Shares Outstanding
Shares Total
held by each
1 PCD Nominee Corporation 5,079,951,187 85.3773
2 Lee, Edward K. 778,125,000 13.0777
3 Ang, Valentina L. 62,500,000 1.0504
4 Lee, Lydia C. 12,500,000 0.2101
5 Tan, Jessalynn L. 12,500,000 0.2101
6 Lim, Hernan G. 1,250,000 0.0210
7 Yu, Raymond C. 1,250,000 0.0210
8 Han, Paulwell 1,250,000 0.0210
9 Barretto, Serafin Jr. P. 150,000 0.0025
10 Estacion, Manuel S. 125,000 0.0021
11 Yu, Wellington C. Or Yu, Victoria O. 125,000 0.0021
12 Villanueva, Myra P. 75,000 0.0013
13 Filio, Sernando 62,500 0.0011
14 Gara, Rosario 62,500 0.0011
15 Khoo Boo Boon 12,500 0.0002
16 Hapi Iloilo Corporation 12,500 0.0002
17 Litman, Joel A. 12,500 0.0002
18 Guerzon, Maria Carmen 8,350 0.0001
19 Villanueva, Milagros P. 6,250 0.0001
20 Villanueva, Myrna P. 6,250 0.0001
TOTAL 5,949,984,537 99.9997
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Dividends
a. Cash Dividends
The BOD, in its meeting held on April 26, 2007, approved a policy of declaring an annual regular cash
dividend of 20.00% of its net income. The payment of dividends shall be taken out of the
unappropriated retained earnings of the Parent Company. There are no restrictions that limit payment
of dividends on common shares.
The following is a summary of the cash dividend declared and distributed by the Parent Company in
2023 and 2024:
Amount /
Year Type Ex-Date Record Date Payment Date
Share
=0.0186
P Regular May 16, 2024 May 17, 2024 June 5, 2024
2024
=0.0465
P Special May 16, 2024 May 17, 2024 June 5, 2024
=0.0114
P Regular May 11, 2023 May 16, 2023 June 2, 2023
2023
=0.0306
P Special May 11, 2023 May 16, 2023 June 2, 2023
b. Stock Dividends
The BOD and the stockholders, in their meetings held on August 16, 2024, and September 27, 2024,
respectively, approved the declaration of a 25.00% stock dividend, equivalent to = P119,000,000 or
1,189,999,998 common shares with a par value of P =0.10 per share. The dividend was sourced from
the Parent Company’s authorized and unissued capital stock and was distributed on November 14,
2024. Fractional shares resulting from the issuance were settled in cash, based on the closing price on
the record date and computed up to two (2) decimal places.
a. Compliance with the Parent Company’s Corporate Governance Manual is being monitored
regularly by the Compliance Officer. Orientation and workshop meetings are held to operationalize
the Manual. As a guide, the Parent Company uses the Corporate Governance Scorecard for
Publicly-listed Companies as its evaluation system to measure level of compliance with its Manual.
b. A continuing and on-going review and evaluation of the Parent Company’s key result areas and
key performance indicators of all its departments are being closely monitored to ensure that
measures are being undertaken to fully comply with the Company’s adopted leading practices on
good governance.
c. There are no deviations from the Parent Company’s Manual on Corporate Governance that it is
aware of.
d. The Parent Company continues to review and evaluate its policies and measures being undertaken
to continue to adhere to the principles and practices of good corporate governance.
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Item 6. Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The following discussion provides a detailed analysis of the financial performance, business drivers, and
strategic direction of COL Financial and its subsidiaries collectively referred to as (“the Group”). It is
intended to give stakeholders a clear understanding of the factors influencing the Group’s financial results,
as well as insights into industry trends and COL’s positioning within the market.
This section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in
this report, along with other relevant disclosures that provide further context on COL’s financial condition
and operational performance.
The Philippine market continued to suffer from heightened volatility in 2024, with the PSEi ending the
year up by only 1.20%.
Market performance was weak in the first half of the year amid concerns over rising inflation, both
domestically and in the United States. However, local stocks rallied strongly in the third quarter due to
growing confidence that the Federal Reserve System (“Fed”) would start cutting rates in September. The
market rally in the third quarter was further supported by declining domestic inflation and the unexpected
announcement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”) of a fourth-quarter reduction in banks’ reserve
requirement ratio.
Unfortunately, the market’s strong performance in the third quarter was not sustained for the rest of the
year. Sentiment for Philippine stocks were negatively affected by the release of weaker than expected third
quarter Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth and corporate earnings results.
Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election exacerbated market volatility. Bond rates surged
while the U.S. dollar strengthened due to concerns that his plans to increase tariffs, reduce taxes, and
implement stricter immigration enforcement would lead to higher inflation, higher government deficits and
debts, pressuring the Fed to maintain interest rates elevated.
Although the Philippines is not too vulnerable to higher tariffs being a domestically driven economy, higher
U.S. rates and the stronger dollar would hurt BSP’s ability to cut rates. The resulting weakness of the peso
also made Philippine stocks less attractive to foreign investors who are vulnerable to foreign exchange
risks. Consequently, the PSEi gave back all its gains in the third quarter to close the year having hardly
changed compared to the previous year.
Average daily value turnover in the PSE remained very thin at = P6.10 billion. Foreign investors also
remained net sellers despite momentarily turning into net buyers during the third quarter, with total net
selling amounting to P
=25.25 billion in 2024.
Business Review
COL Financial remains focused on maximizing profitability through the strategic allocation of
resources, with the overarching goal of enhancing shareholder value. To ensure sustainable growth, it
continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its corporate initiatives and key performance indicators,
which serve as critical benchmarks in assessing the success of its financial and operational strategies.
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Outlined below are some of the key performance indicators used to measure the Group’s progress:
2024 2023
Number of Customer Accounts* 553,098 530,695
Customers’ Net Equity (in millions) =117,061.93
P =107,112.56
P
Revenues (in millions) =1,193.75
P =1,091.82
P
Return on Average Equity (ROE) 21.51% 20.66%
Risk Based Capital Adequacy Ratio* 695.77% 632.06%
Liquid Capital** (in millions) HKD3.48 HKD4.26
*Parent Company only
**HK Subsidiary
COL’s client base continued to expand, adding 22,403 new accounts from its Philippine operations,
reflecting a 4.22% year-on-year increase, bringing the total to 553,098 as of the end of 2024. The strong
market performance in the third quarter, along with targeted marketing initiatives focused on dividend
stocks, fixed-income funds, and global investment products, contributed to client acquisition despite the
overall muted performance of the PSEi.
Customers’ net equity rose by 9.29% to = P117.06 billion by year-end, driven by net inflows from both
new and existing investors, as well as dividend payouts from listed companies. The PSEi, however,
closed the year only marginally higher by 1.20%.
Revenues grew by 9.34% to = P1.19 billion, reflecting increases across all major income streams,
including commissions, interest income, and trail fees.
The combination of revenue growth, controlled operating expenses, and lower income tax provisions
resulted in a 14.08% increase in net income, reaching =
P485.55 million. Consequently, return on equity
(ROE) improved to 21.51% in 2024, up from 20.66% in 2023.
COL Financial and its HK Subsidiary remained fully compliant with regulatory requirements in both
jurisdictions. As of year-end 2024, the Parent Company’s RBCA Ratio stood at 695.77%, significantly
above the minimum requirement of 110.00%. Meanwhile, COLHK maintained HKD3.48 million in
liquid capital, exceeding the regulatory threshold of HKD3.00 million or 5.00% of adjusted liabilities.
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Cash and cash equivalents, including cash in segregated accounts and short-term time deposits,
primarily consisting of bank deposits and special time deposits, rose by = P40.17 million or 0.42%,
bringing the total to =P9.70 billion. This accounted for 77.95% of the Group’s total assets.
Meanwhile, investment securities at amortized cost, composed mainly of Treasury bills and bonds,
declined by 4.02% to P=1.34 billion. The shift toward higher cash reserves was a strategic decision to
take advantage of more attractive yields from time deposits compared to government and corporate
debt securities.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) rose by 11.11% to = P101.16 million,
primarily driven by the mutual fund subsidiary’s increased investments in money market mutual
funds. This shift reflects the Group’s strategy of maintaining liquidity while waiting for the right
opportunity to deploy capital into equities. By prioritizing highly liquid, low-risk placements, COL
ensures that funds remain readily available while still earning competitive returns. This approach
enables the Group to maximize investment flexibility and take advantage of market opportunities as
they arise. It also mitigates exposure to short-term market volatility, preserving capital while
positioning for future growth.
Total trade receivables increased by 13.07% to = P995.01 million, primarily driven by a 15.98% rise
in receivables from customers to = P994.93 million. Margin receivables grew by 16.88% to
=968.40 million, reflecting higher client demand for leveraged trading. These increases were
P
partially offset by the decline in receivables from the clearing house and other brokers, both of which
were fully settled by year-end. Receivables from the clearing house decreased as the Parent
Company’s customers were in a net buying position during the last two trading days of 2024.
Meanwhile, receivables from other brokers were fully collected and returned to COLHK clients in
line with its dissolution process.
Other receivables increased by 13.42% to = P104.42 million, largely driven by a 301.12% surge in
mutual fund redemption proceeds to = P17.55 million. This sharp rise reflects increased client
redemptions, likely influenced by market volatility, shifting risk appetites, or liquidity needs.
Meanwhile, accrued interest on investments declined by 2.11% to P =75.70 million, primarily due to
lower interest rates and investible funds.
Prepayments increased by 19.36% to = P10.52 million, primarily driven by a 23.23% rise in prepaid
insurance to =
P3.27 million due to higher premiums paid during the year. Other prepayments also
grew by 31.83% to P =6.59 million, reflecting increased fees paid to certain service providers. These
increases were partially offset by a 43.43% drop in prepaid taxes to =P0.66 million.
Property and equipment declined by 13.50% to P =62.03 million as depreciation and amortization
expenses of =P37.65 million outpaced capital expenditures and additions to right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets, which amounted to P
=17.32 million and P
=10.88 million, respectively.
Other current liabilities were higher by 33.28% at P =167.52 million. This was largely due to the
301.12% jump in mutual fund redemption proceeds to P =17.55 million and the 136.80% increase in
unposted customers’ deposits to P
=18.08 million. Accrued expenses and management bonuses, which
were paid in January 2025, and related taxes due to the BIR likewise increased by a total of 17.64%
to P
=117.30 million.
Net deferred income tax positioned as an asset of P=14.34 million as of end 2024, compared to a
liability of =
P10.11 million as of end 2023. This shift was primarily due to the Parent Company’s
recognition of deferred tax assets amounting to =
P29.02 million on its net operating loss carry-over
- 15 -
(“NOLCO”) and P =21.73 million on accrued retirement liability. Based on Management's projections,
these deferred tax assets are expected to be fully utilized through the itemized deduction method,
which will offset taxable income in future periods. These were partially offset by the recognition of
a deferred tax liability of P
=24.74 million on the expected gain from the liquidation of the Hong Kong
subsidiary.
Cash and cash equivalents, cash in a segregated account and short-term time deposits composed
mainly of cash in banks and special time deposits were lower by 8.17% to = P9.66 billion as of end
2023. The said amount was equivalent to 86.67% of COL’s current assets. Cash and cash equivalents
fell as more funds were placed in government securities to lock in higher rates. Consequently,
Financial assets at FVTPL and Investment securities at amortized cost which reflect investments in
Treasury bills and bonds increased by 36.64% to =
P1.48 billion from =
P1.09 billion as of end 2023 and
2022, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents also fell as customers kept a smaller portion of their
portfolios in cash.
Total trade receivables were down by 26.17% to = P880.01 million. Trade receivables fell as
outstanding margin loans dropped by 4.76% year-on-year to P =828.56 million. Receivables from
clearing house also fell sharply by 90.50% to =
P10.89 million as there were less selling orders as of
end 2023 compared to end 2022. Receivables from other broker likewise dropped by 75.58% to
=11.56 million.
P
Other receivables increased by 40.70% to = P92.06 million. This was mainly due to the 45.87%
increase in accrued interest to P
=77.33 million brought about by the steep rise in interest rates on time
deposits.
Receivables from fund houses also increased by 113.82% to = P4.37 million as the value of
redemptions were higher in end 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Prepayments increased by 15.64% to = P8.81 million, mainly due to the 428.19% jump in prepaid
taxes to =
P1.20 million. This was brought about by the payment of final taxes on Treasury bills that
were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will mature in the first half of 2024. Prepaid
insurance also increased by 13.56% to P
=2.70 million.
Property and equipment decreased by 24.37% to P =71.71 million. Depreciation expense reached
P44.94 million and was larger than the amount of capital expenditures and the addition to ROU
assets amounting to only =
P10.29 million and =
P11.56 million, respectively.
Trade payables decreased by 9.10% to P =9.90 billion year-on-year. This was largely due to the 8.08%
drop in clients’ undeployed funds. Payables to clearing house fell to zero as the Parent Company’s
customers were in a net selling position during the last two trading days of 2023.
- 16 -
Stockholders’ equity was up 11.03% to =
P2.19 billion due to the booking of P
=425.63 million in net
income, partly offset by the payment of =
P199.92 million worth of cash dividends by the Parent
Company.
Consolidated revenues grew 9.34% to = P1.19 billion in 2024, as all major revenue streams posted
gains. Commission revenues increased 15.99% to P =382.31 million, driven by a 23.80% rise in the
Parent Company’s average daily value turnover to = P607.86 million, despite the PSE’s overall
average daily value turnover remaining steady at =
P6.10 billion. This propelled COL’s ranking in the
PSE (by value traded) to fourth place in 2024, up from 11th in 2023.
Interest income grew at a slower pace of 7.04% to = P758.36 million. The 2.38% increase in interest
income from customers to = P70.70 million was driven by higher margin utilization, while a 50-basis
point rise in average interest rates led to a 7.55% increase in interest income from banks and fixed
income assets to P=687.67 million. Meanwhile, trail fees rose 10.33% to = P24.24 million, primarily
due to the expansion of assets under administration (“AUA”) in the Parent Company’s fund
distribution business.
Cost of services (“COS”) increased 8.34% to P =303.72 million, mainly due to a 16.41% rise in
personnel costs and a 5.21% increase in professional fees, which together accounted for 49.41% of
COS. Commission expenses and stock exchange dues and fees, both tied to trading volume, rose
25.61% and 20.46%, respectively, driven by the 19.80% increase in the Parent Company’s
consolidated value turnover. These cost increases were partially offset by a 25.60% decline in
depreciation and amortization under COS to P =20.93 million, following the full depreciation of
servers purchased in 2018.
Aggregated personnel costs under COS and operating expenses rose 12.30% to = P282.56 million,
representing the largest share of total expenses at 49.16%. This increase was driven by new hires to
support the Group’s manpower needs, salary adjustments for existing employees, and higher bonuses
to retain key talent and remain competitive. Total professional fees across COS and operating
expenses rose 4.74% to =P56.66 million, accounting for 9.86% of total expenses, mainly due to higher
IT security contract renewals, increased audit fees, and additional consultancy services.
Depreciation and amortization under COS and operating expenses declined 14.83% to
=40.36 million, as capital expenditures and additions to ROU assets amounted to only =
P P17.32 million
and P
=10.88 million, respectively. The full depreciation of the 2018 server purchases in the first half
of 2024 further contributed to the reduction in expense.
Commission expenses increased 25.61% to P =33.32 million, driven by the growth in agency-led
trading volume, while stock exchange dues and fees rose 20.46% to P
=30.24 million, in line with the
Parent Company’s higher consolidated value turnover.
Operating expenses, which are mostly fixed, increased 10.61% to = P271.09 million. The rise was
largely due to higher personnel costs (+10.05%), advertising and marketing expenses (+54.47%),
trainings, seminars, and meeting expenses (+208.18%), and insurance expenses (+19.25%).
Advertising and marketing expenses increased primarily due to costs related to the Parent
Company’s foreign counterparties, whose marketing agreements only began in December 2023.
Expenses for trainings, seminars and meetings rose significantly due to various workshops and
programs conducted as part of the Group’s commitment to the professional training and development
of its employees and agents. Meanwhile, the increase in insurance expenses was primarily due to
higher premiums upon the renewal of the group health insurance for employees.
- 17 -
Provision for income taxes declined 1.90% to P =128.37 million, primarily due to the recognition of
the Parent Company of deferred tax assets amounting to P =29.02 million on its NOLCO and
=21.73 million on retirement liabilities. This was partially offset by the booking of deferred tax
P
liabilities of P
=24.74 million on the gain that is expected to be realized upon the completion of the
dissolution procedures of its Hong Kong subsidiary.
Given these factors, operating income increased 9.27% to P=618.95 million, while pre-tax profit rose
10.32% to =
P613.92 million. Ultimately, consolidated net income grew at a faster pace of 14.08% to
=485.55 million, benefiting from the lower tax provision.
P
Consolidated revenues in 2023 rose 30.60% to = P1.09 billion, driven by a 110.64% surge in interest
income to P =708.47 million, which offset a 26.27% decline in commission revenues to
=329.60 million. Margin utilization improved, boosting interest income from lending by 21.50%,
P
while rising rates pushed income from placements up 128.76%. The PSE’s average daily value
turnover fell 31.30% to P
=5.31 billion, leading to a smaller market share for local investors at 47.70%
from 59.92% in 2022. Trail fees dipped slightly by 0.65% to P =21.97 million due to a shift in mutual
fund asset mix, with the share of higher-earning local equity and index funds declining to 76.10%
from 80.00% in 2022.
COS remained flat at P =280.33 million. Personnel costs and professional fees, comprising 47.51% of
COS, increased by 14.89% and 4.93%, respectively, but were offset by lower trading-related
expenses. Commission expenses and stock exchange dues, which track value turnover, fell 11.01%,
while depreciation and amortization under COS declined 11.83% to = P28.13 million. Consolidated
personnel costs under COS and operating expenses rose 12.66% to P =251.62 million, mainly due to
higher bonuses reflecting stronger earnings while professional fees rose 4.57% to P =54.10 million,
attributed to IT security contract renewals and additional marketing and IT consultancy services.
Operating expenses increased 8.31% to = P245.08 million, driven by an 11.47% rise in personnel costs
and higher repairs, maintenance, and representation expenses. Repairs and maintenance surged
91.34% to P =2.17 million due to additional servicing of data center air-conditioning units.
Representation and entertainment expenses jumped 271.80% to = P3.37 million, reflecting efforts to
expand the institutional business. Rental expenses increased 276.01% to P=1.40 million as COLHK’s
short-term lease renewal was recorded as a direct rental expense. Stock exchange dues and fees
declined 26.75% to = P25.10 million, reflecting reduced trading activity, while communication
expenses fell slightly by 2.68% to =P40.63 million. Depreciation and amortization across COS and
operating expenses fell 10.38% to = P47.39 million as capital expenditures were limited to
₱10.29 million, primarily incurred in the last quarter.
5. Other Matters
a. COL is not aware of any known trends, demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that would
have a material impact on the Group’s liquidity. The Group has not defaulted on its obligations,
which primarily arise from withdrawals made by customers. Furthermore, the obligations of the
Parent Company are fully funded in compliance with SRC Rule 49.2. As COLHK is in the process
of dissolution and all customer funds have been returned, COLHK is no longer required to maintain
a fund for the exclusive benefit of its customers.
- 18 -
b. COL is not aware of any events that will trigger direct or contingent financial obligation that is
material to the Group, including any default or acceleration of an obligation.
c. COL is not aware of any material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations
(including contingent obligations) and other relationships of the Group with other persons created
during the reporting period.
e. COL is not aware of any known trends, events, or uncertainties that have had or that are reasonably
expected to have a material favorable or unfavorable impact on net sales or revenues or income from
continuing operations of the Group.
f. COL is not aware of any significant elements of income or loss that did not arise from the Group’s
continuing operations.
g. COL is not aware of any seasonal aspects that had a material effect on the financial condition or
results of operations of the Group.
1. Near-Term Prospects
Stockbrokers in the Philippine stock market are expected to enjoy a better year in 2025. Economic
growth is expected to accelerate this year as inflation and interest rates are already on the way down,
helping both consumer spending and investments to grow at a faster pace. The economy should also
benefit from the mid-term elections as GDP growth has historically been stronger during election years.
The Philippines is also a domestically driven economy, making us less vulnerable to a potential trade
war with the U.S. Finally, Philippine stocks are very cheap in terms of valuation and are under owned
by foreign investors, implying significant capital appreciation potential.
The stronger performance of the Philippine stock market in 2025 should lead to higher value turnover,
benefiting stockbrokers through higher commissions. Demand for mutual funds should likewise
increase, leading to higher management fees for COL’s newly launched funds, and higher trail fees for
its fund distribution business.
The medium to long term outlook of the Philippine market remains very attractive. The economy and
earnings of listed companies should benefit from the country’s above average growth pace, brought
about by its favorable demographics, fast-growing BPO sector and resilient OFW remittances.
The PSE also has various initiatives that should help boost activity in the local stock market. Among
them are the relaxation of listing rules and allowing short selling. Coupled with the very low penetration
rate of retail investors in the stock market and the economy’s favorable growth outlook, the said factors
should bode well for the performance of the Philippine stock market and for COL going forward.
Please refer to the attached Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023.
- 19 -
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
COL has not changed its accountants for the last three (3) years and has not had any disagreements on
accounting and financial disclosures with its current accounts for the last three (3) years.
The following table sets out the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two (2) fiscal years for professional
services rendered by SGV:
Appointment of COL’s external auditor and its audit fees are upon recommendation of the Audit
Committee. All services rendered by SGV have prior approval of the President as recommended by the
Audit Committee. Actual work by SGV proceeds thereafter. In 2024, the Audit Committee was chaired
by Ms. Betty C. Siy-Yap with Mr. Wellington C. Yu, Mr. Raymond C. Yu, and Mr. Hernan G. Lim as
members.
Board of Directors
Name Position
Edward K. Lee Chairman
Alexander C. Yu Vice Chairman
Conrado F. Bate Member
Paulwell Han Member
Kosuke Mizuno Member
Hernan G. Lim Member
Raymond C. Yu Member
Wellington C. Yu Member
Arthur G. Gindap Member (Independent)
Betty C. Siy-Yap Member (Independent)
Roberto C. Benares Member (Independent)
The following are the respective ages, periods of service, directorships in other reporting companies and
positions held in the last five years of each of the Directors of COL:
Edward K. Lee
Chairman and Founder
Edward K. Lee, 70, Filipino, took Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management Engineering at De La
Salle University. He is concurrently the Founder and Chairman of the Board of COL, CTS Global Equity
Group, Inc., Caylum Trading Institute, and COL Investment Management, Inc. Mr. Lee served as a
nominee of CTS Global Equity Group, Inc. to the Manila Stock Exchange and presently to the Philippine
- 20 -
Stock Exchange. He was elected as one of the Governors of the Philippine Stock Exchange and was the
Chairman of the Computerization committee of the Manila Stock Exchange and PSE in 1994. He went on
to become a member of the Board of Directors of A. Soriano Corporation serving for two terms. Mr. Lee
was also nominated as a finalist to the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines by Ernst & Young. In
2015, he was awarded with the Theodore Vail Most Outstanding JA Alumni Awardee. From 2016 to 2019,
he was appointed as an official board member of JA Asia Pacific. He was the recipient of the 2023
Lasallian Achievement Award by the De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) and is honored as the
distinguished Master Innovator awardee at the 3rd Mansmith Innovation Awards.
Alexander C. Yu
Vice-Chairman
Alexander C. Yu, 69, Filipino, is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering graduate of De La Salle
University. He is currently the Vice-Chairman of COL since 1999 and the Vice Chairman and Treasurer
of CTS Global Equity Group, Inc. since 1986. He is also currently a Director of Caylum Trading Institute
and Director and Treasurer of Winner Industrial Corp., both for more than 10 years. He is the proprietor
of Trans-Asia General Merchandise and in 1997, he served as a Director of A. Soriano Corporation.
Conrado F. Bate
President and Chief Executive Officer
Conrado F. Bate, 62, Filipino, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Bachelor of Science
Degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle University. He is currently the President and Chief
Executive Officer of COL and also serves as a director of COL Investment Management, Inc. He is also
the President of Shareholder’s Association of the Philippines since 2022, and has been a member of its
Board of Trustees for the past six years. Mr. Bate possesses extensive experience in the Philippine stock
brokerage and fund management industry. His previous roles include serving as Vice President of JP
Morgan Philippines in 2002, President and CEO of Abacus Securities Corporation from 1995 to 1997, and
Vice President of Fund Management Division of Philamlife Insurance Company from 1990 to 1995. He
has also played a pivotal role in various leadership positions, having been a member of the Board of
Directors of the Philippine Stock Exchange from 2005 to 2006, where he served as Chairman of the
Investor Education Committee and Member of the Legislative Committee. Mr. Bate has also contributed
his expertise as an independent director of the ATR Kim Eng Asset Management from 2005 to 2010, and
he continues to serve in a similar capacity for Corston-Smith Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. since February
2009.
Wellington C. Yu
Director
Wellington C. Yu, 81, Filipino, finished his degree in BS Chemical Engineering at De La Salle University
in 1965 and his MBA and MS Chemical Engineering degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. From
1973 to 1985, he was the Dean of the College of Business and Economics of De La Salle University and
of the Graduate School of Business from 1981 to 1984. He was conferred the title Dean Emeritus in the
College of Business and Economics in De La Salle University. He was the Senior Vice President of
Tropical Rent-A-Car in Hawaii from 1986 to 1990 and President of Suntrips, Inc. of San Jose, California
from 1990 to 1997. In 2012, Xavier School San Juan awarded him the title “Exemplary Alumnus”.
Raymond C. Yu
Director
Raymond C. Yu, 71, Filipino, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce from De La Salle
University in 1974. He is currently the President of Winner Industrial Corporation. He has served as a
director of Caylum Trading Institute since 2013 and has been a director for more than 16 years of the
following corporations: COL Financial Group, Inc., Cedarside Holdings Corp., Cedarside Industries, Inc.,
Barrington Carpets, Inc., and Citimex, Inc.
- 21 -
Hernan G. Lim
Director
Hernan G. Lim, 72, Filipino, is currently the President of Hoc Po Feeds Corporation and HGL
Development Corporation. Mr. Lim is a Director of Caylum Trading Institute since 2013 and has also been
a Director of Citimex, Inc., CTS Global Equity Group, Inc., and Barrington Carpets, Inc. for more than 10
years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the
University of Santo Tomas. He also took the Basic Management Course at the Asian Institute of
Management.
Paulwell Han
Director
Paulwell Han, 65, Chinese, is a graduate of Business Finance from the San Francisco State University,
USA. He is currently the Director and General Manager of different corporations located in Hong Kong,
namely: Etta Trading Company Limited, Yee Ting Tong Company Limited, Tecworld Investment Co.,
Ltd., Silver Jubilee Co., Ltd., and Sunning Restaurant.
Kosuke Mizuno
Director
Mr. Kosuke Mizuno, 56, Japanese, is the Head of Asia & Oceania at Daiwa Securities Group Inc., a role
in which he leverages over three decades of distinguished experience in the global securities industry. With
a career spanning 32 years, Mr. Mizuno has cultivated deep expertise and leadership acumen across key
financial hubs, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and the United States. Throughout his tenure at
Daiwa, he has held multiple senior leadership positions, driven business growth and innovation while
amassing extensive knowledge in strategic business management and team supervision. A graduate of Keio
University, Mr. Mizuno earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1992. Demonstrating a
commitment to continuous learning and professional development, he further enhanced his leadership
capabilities by completing the prestigious Stanford Executive Program at Stanford Business School in
2023. His unique blend of global perspective, strategic vision, and operational excellence continues to
make a significant impact on Daiwa Securities Group and the broader financial industry.
Arthur G. Gindap
Independent Director
Arthur G. Gindap, 63, Filipino, currently serves as a Director of Keyland Corporation, Chairman of Benilde
Romancon Hospitality Services, Inc., and Director of Anawim (a Mercy Ministry of Bro. Bo Sanchez). He
is also a Director of Keyland Ayala Properties, Inc. He previously held the position of Senior Vice
President and Business Unit General Manager at Robinsons Hotels & Resorts from 2018 to 2023. Prior to
that, Mr. Gindap was the Vice President & Regional General Manager for the Philippines, Thailand, and
Laos, as well as the Vice President of Global Operations & Customer Service at Ascott Limited, serving
from 2004 to 2018. With over 40 years of experience in the hotel, hospitality, and real estate industries,
Mr. Gindap has built an extensive and distinguished career. He holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant
Administration from Sheridan College in Canada.
Betty C. Siy-Yap
Independent Director
Betty C. Siy-Yap, 63, Filipino, is the SVP and Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer of Manila
Electric Company. She sits as a member of the board of various corporations such as Clark Electric
Distribution Corporation, CIS Bayad Center, Inc., Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation,
MERALCO PowerGen Corporation, Global Business Power Corporation, Miescor Infrastructure
Development Corporation, and Union Galvasteel Corporation. She is also a trustee of the Immaculate
- 22 -
Conception Academy and a member of the Finance and Budget Committee and the Audit and Risk
Committee of Ateneo de Manila University. She is likewise the President of Lighthouse Overseas Insurance
Limited and the Treasurer of First Pacific Leadership Academy. She previously served as a Director of
Rockwell Land Corporation, a member of the Market Governance Board of the Philippine Dealing
Exchange Corp., Vice Chairman of the Board of Accountancy of the Professional Regulation Commission,
and a Partner at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. Ms. Siy-Yap holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines and a Master’s in Business
Administration from J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University/The Hong Kong
University of Science and Technology.
Roberto C. Benares
Independent Director
Roberto C. Benares, 72, Filipino, currently sits as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of
Commerce, BlastAsia Corporation, Quokka Development Corporation, Quokka Corp., Pattern Farms
Design Inc., and Amalgamated Investment Bancorporation. He served as the President and CEO of Bank
of Commerce from 2013 to 2018 and as Executive Director and later on Managing Director of Maybank
ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners, Inc. from 2001 to 2013. Over the years, Mr. Benares held various positions
at Asian Alliance Investment as Managing Director, Insular Investment & Trust Corporation as Executive
Vice President, Philamlife as Vice President, and United Coconut Planters Bank as Vice President for
Account Management. Mr. Benares holds a degree of BS Mechanical Engineering from De La Salle
University and has a Master’s Degree in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management.
Executive Officers
The key members of the management team, aside from those above mentioned, are as follows:
Catherine L. Ong
SVP – Treasurer
Catherine L. Ong, 73, Filipino, COL’s SVP – Treasurer, is also the Chairman of COL Equity Index
Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. and COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., the SVP – Chief
Audit Executive and Director of CTS Global Equity Group, Inc. and the Executive Vice President and
Treasurer of Cedarside Industries, Inc., Barrington Carpets, Inc., and Citimex, Inc. She has held the latter
position for more than 30 years. She was formerly a director of COL. She has extensive experience in
banking, having held various positions in Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank). She was
an Assistant Vice President and Area Supervisor of Metrobank and served as a Director of Metrobank’s
subsidiary, Pan Philippines Life Insurance Corp. (now known as Philippine Axa Life). Ms. Ong graduated
from the Philippine Women’s University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration,
Major in Accounting.
Juan G. Barredo
FVP – Chief Customer Experience Officer
Juan “Juanis” G. Barredo, 57, Filipino, Chief Customer Experience Officer for COL, oversees the positive
operations of COL's Business Center, its Sales division as well as its Premium and Retail Customer Service
divisions. He also spearheads the COL Investor Seminar Series, the flagship investor education program
of the Corporation, geared to empower COL customers and the investing public to build their knowledge
base through a series of progressive stock market training sessions so that they can confidently invest in
the Philippine Stock Market. He has addressed an audience of over 200,000 people nationwide with topics
ranging from the basics of stock market investing to introductory and advanced technical analysis seminars.
Mr. Barredo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from De La Salle University in 1990 and is a
Certified Securities Representative.
- 23 -
Nikos J. Bautista
FVP – Chief Technology Officer
Nikos J. Bautista, 56, Filipino, is the Chief Technology Officer of COL. He was also a consultant and a
committee member for the Trading System Project of the PSE which was launched successfully mid-2010
and for various projects of the PDEX. He was with the I.T. Department of the PSE as manager, in charge
of all the I.T.-related activities of the Exchange from 1993 to 1997. In 1997, he joined Computershare, an
Australian-based software development company specializing in trading systems wherein he took charge
of all technical aspects of the business. In 2000, he put up a software development company, Finatechs,
Inc., where he served as its President and Chief Executive Officer until 2003. Mr. Bautista is a graduate
of De La Salle University with a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree with Masteral Courses in Computer
Science.
Lorena E. Velarde
FVP – Chief Financial Officer
Lorena E. Velarde, 54, Filipino, is the Chief Financial Officer of COL and was appointed in such position
after having served as the Corporation’s Financial Controller from 2010 to 2020. She is concurrently an
Associated Person of CTS Global Equity Group, Inc. and the Treasurer of COL Investment Management,
Inc., COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., and COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual
Fund, Inc. With a career spanning key leadership roles in accounting, Ms. Velarde has gained extensive
experience in financial planning, fund management, and operational oversight. She began her professional
journey at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co., where she honed her expertise in tax, accounting, and financial
reporting. Ms. Velarde graduated from University of Santo Tomas, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
April Lynn L. Tan, Filipino, 49, is the Chief Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy of COL. She is the
COL’s Chief Equity Strategist. Under this role, she has been consistently voted as one of the top three
equity strategists by the Fund Managers’ Association of the Philippines, and in 2019, was voted as “Best
Strategist” in the country. She was appointed as the head of COL’s Research Team in 2003 and has been
doing equity research since 1996. She is also a Certified Securities Representative and a Certified
Investment Solicitor. Outside of her work with COL, she writes a weekly column named “Intelligent
Investing” for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. From 2020 to 2024, she hosted the TV show “Insight with
April Lee Tan” for ANC. She is an active member of the CFA Society of the Philippines and was the
President of the Society from 2009 to 2016. Under her leadership, CFA Philippines won the “Global CFA
Institute Research Challenge” thrice and several Society Excellence Awards including the “Most
Outstanding Society” for its size. Ms. Tan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Engineering
from the Ateneo de Manila University. In 2000, she earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst
(CFA) designation.
Melissa O. Ng
VP – Head of Operations
Melissa O. Ng, 52, Taiwanese, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Economics and a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Business Management from De La Salle University. She earned her MBA (Silver
Medalist) from De La Salle University in 2000. She has been with COL since 2007 and has previous
banking experience from Security Bank and Union Bank of the Philippines.
- 24 -
Sharon T. Lim
VP – Head of Legal & Compliance
Sharon T. Lim, 45, Filipino, started with COL as its Compliance and Legal Officer and was appointed as
the Head of the Legal and Compliance Department in 2016. She was appointed as Corporate Secretary on
November 2018 and also serves as the Corporate Secretary of CTS Global Equity Group, Inc., COL Equity
Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., and COL
Investment Management, Inc. She was the Head of COL’s Human Resources Department from 2016 up
to 2019. Atty. Lim previously worked at Puyat, Jacinto, and Santos Law Offices and Picazo Buyco Tan
Fider and Santos Law Offices. She graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management
Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University, Bachelor of Laws from the University of the
Philippines, and Master of Laws (Corporate & Financial Services Law) from the National University of
Singapore. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2007, is a licensed Associated Person and Certified
Information Privacy Manager.
Joyce G. Chan
VP – Head of Client Services
Joyce G. Chan, 40, Filipino, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Ateneo
De Manila University. She started as a Management Associate with the Philam Group of Companies before
becoming a Corporate Trainer and Development Officer. She joined COL in 2010 as its Sales Manager
and was later on appointed as the Head of Customer Support. She was recently promoted as Head of Client
Services of COL, handling the operations of both of its Customer Support Department and Premium Clients
Group. She is a Certified Securities Representative, Certified Investment Solicitor, Certified UITF Sales
Person, and a Fellow in the Life Management Institute with Honors.
Term of Office
Pursuant to the By-Laws of COL, the directors are elected at each annual stockholders’ meeting by
stockholders entitled to vote. Each director holds office until the next annual election and their successor
is duly elected, unless they resign, die, or are removed prior to such election.
Mr. Sohei Obara stepped down as director of the Parent Company last August 16, 2024. His resignation
was not due to any disagreement with the Parent Company regarding its business operations, policies,
and/or practices. As of the date of this report, all of the current directors have agreed to stand for re-
election.
Significant Employees
No single person is considered to have made a significant contribution to the business since COL considers
the collective efforts of all its employees as instrumental to the overall success of the Group’s performance.
Family Relationships
Mr. Alexander C. Yu & Mr. Raymond C. Yu and Mr. Edward K. Lee & Ms. Catherine L. Ong are siblings.
Aside from them, there are no other family relationships either by consanguinity or affinity up to the fourth
(4th) civil degree among its directors, executive officers, and nominees for election as directors.
- 25 -
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
As of the date of this report, COL is not aware of any events occurring during the past five (5) years that
are material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director, nominee for election as director,
executive officer, underwriter, or controlling person of the Group.
(1) Any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which any of the above persons
was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of bankruptcy or within two (2)
years prior to that time;
(2) Any order or judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any
court of competent jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, permanently or temporarily enjoining,
barring, suspending, or otherwise limiting the involvement of any of the above persons in any
type of business, securities, commodities, or banking activities; and
(3) Any findings by a domestic or foreign court of competent jurisdiction (in civil action), the
SEC or comparable foreign body, or a domestic or foreign exchange or electronic marketplace
or self-regulatory organization, that any of the above persons has violated a securities or
commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated.
COL is not involved in, nor are any of its properties subject to, any material legal proceedings that could
potentially impact its operations or financial capacity.
Standard Arrangements
Directors
Each director is entitled to a reasonable per diem, which amount shall, according to Article III, Section 8
of the Parent Company’s Amended By-laws, not exceed ten percent (10.00%) of the net income before
income tax of the Parent Company during the previous year.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total per diem paid to the directors of the Parent Company
amounted to =P2.10 million and P=2.20 million, respectively. Aside from this, directors do not receive any
other form of remuneration in their capacity as directors.
The per diem received by each director in 2024 are broken down as follows:
The remaining directors (namely, Edward K. Lee, Alexander C. Yu, and Kosuke Mizuno) have waived
their right to receive per diems.
- 26 -
Below is a summary of the guaranteed compensation for the five highest-paid executive officers, as well
as other executives and officers of the Parent Company as a group:
There are no outstanding warrants or options held by directors or officers. There are no actions to be taken
with regard to election, any bonus or profit-sharing, change in pension / retirement plan, granting of or
extension of any options, warrants, or rights to purchase any securities.
There are no special employment contracts between COL and the executive officers named in the preceding
paragraphs. Likewise, there are no compensatory plans or arrangements with respect to a named executive
officer.
Owners of more than five percent (5.00%) of COL’s voting securities as of February 28, 2025 are as
follows:
1
Mr. Kosuke Mizuno has been named and appointed by Daiwa Securities Group, Inc. (“Daiwa”) to exercise Daiwa’s
voting power.
- 27 -
Name, Address of Name of Beneficial
No. of Shares Held
Title of Record Owner and Owners and Percent
Citizenship Directly (D) or
Class Relationship with the Relationship with (%)
under PCD (P)
Issuer Record Owner
Lee, Lydia C. 12,500,000 (D)
Mahogany St., Makati 45,028,000 (P)
Lee, Edmund C. 25,500,000 (P)
Mahogany St., Makati
Teo, Eleanore L. or Lee, 25,000,000 (P)
Edmund C.
Mahogany St., Makati
ELLEE & Co., Inc.2 11,918,750 (P)
2701C East Tower, PSE
Centre, Exchange Rd,
Ortigas Center, Pasig
Yu, Alexander C. Yu, Alexander C. Filipino 662,981,563 (P) 13.85
Ortega St., San Juan
Yu, Elizabeth N. 29,258,750 (P)
Ortega St., San Juan
Yu, Adrian Alexander N. 43,443,750 (P)
Ortega St., San Juan
Yu, Michelle Angeline N. 50,722,500 (P)
Ortega St., San Juan
Yu, Tiffany Anne N. 37,500,000 (P)
Ortega St., San Juan
*No other single individual owns more than 5.00% - 10.00% of the total outstanding shares of COL as of
February 28, 2025.
2
Mr. Edward K. Lee, Chairman of the Board of ELLEE & Co., Inc. (“Ellee”), has been named and appointed to
exercise Ellee’s voting power.
- 28 -
Title of Total No. of Percent
Name of Owner Position Citizenship
Class Shares (%)
Transactions between related parties are based on terms similar to those offered to nonrelated parties. The
transactions are done in the normal conduct of operations and are recorded in the same manner as
transactions that are entered into with other parties.
Exhibits
Please refer to the attached Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Schedules on
page 33.
Items reported under SEC Form 17-C filed during the last six (6) months of the period covered by this
report are as follows:
Announcement
Items Reported Date Filed Circular No.
Date
1. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
07/05/2024 07/05/2024 C04499-2024
Principal Officers
2. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
07/17/2024 07/17/2024 C04761-2024
Principal Officers
3. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
08/02/2024 08/02/2024 C05151-2024
Principal Officers
4. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and 08/08/2024 08/09/2024 C05332-2024
- 29 -
Announcement
Items Reported Date Filed Circular No.
Date
Principal Officers
5. Material Information/Transactions 08/16/2024 08/19/2024 C05630-2024
6. Notice of Annual or Special Stockholders'
08/16/2024 08/19/2024 C05631-2024
Meeting
7. Change in Directors and/or Officers
(Resignation, Removal or Appointment, 08/16/2024 08/19/2024 C05632-2024
Election and/or Promotion)
8. Declaration of Stock Dividends 08/19/2024 08/19/2024 C05640-2024
9. [Amend-1] Notice of Annual or Special
08/20/2024 08/20/2024 C05663-2024
Stockholders' Meeting
10. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
09/12/2024 09/13/2024 C06016-2024
Principal Officers
11. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
09/12/2024 09/13/2024 C06017-2024
Principal Officers
12. [Amend-1] Declaration of Stock Dividends 09/27/2024 09/27/2024 C06256-2024
13. Results of Annual or Special Stockholders'
09/27/2024 09/27/2024 C06261-2024
Meeting
14. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
09/30/2024 10/01/2024 C06297-2024
Principal Officers
15. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
10/04/2024 10/07/2024 C06394-2024
Principal Officers
16. Material Information/Transactions 11/15/2024 11/15/2024 C07347-2024
17. Notice of Annual or Special Stockholders'
11/15/2024 11/15/2024 C07348-2024
Meeting
18. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07426-2024
Principal Officers
19. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07427-2024
Principal Officers
20. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07429-2024
Principal Officers
21. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07430-2024
Principal Officers
22. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07431-2024
Principal Officers
23. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07432-2024
Principal Officers
24. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07433-2024
Principal Officers
25. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07434-2024
Principal Officers
26. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07435-2024
Principal Officers
27. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07436-2024
Principal Officers
28. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07437-2024
Principal Officers
29. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07438-2024
Principal Officers
30. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07439-2024
Principal Officers
- 30 -
Announcement
Items Reported Date Filed Circular No.
Date
31. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07440-2024
Principal Officers
32. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07441-2024
Principal Officers
33. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07442-2024
Principal Officers
34. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07443-2024
Principal Officers
35. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07444-2024
Principal Officers
36. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07445-2024
Principal Officers
37. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07446-2024
Principal Officers
38. Change in Shareholdings of Directors and
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 C07447-2024
Principal Officers
- 31 -
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SEC FORM 17-A
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULES
Report of Independent Auditors on Supplementary Schedules
Report of Independent Auditors on Components of Financial
Soundness Indicators
Schedule I. Reconciliation of Retained Earnings Available for
Dividend Declaration Pursuant to SRC Rule 68, as Amended and
SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11
Schedule II. Supplementary Schedules under Annex 68-J Pursuant
to SRC Rule 68, as Amended
Schedule III. Map of the Relationships of the Companies within the
Group Pursuant to SRC Rule 68, as Amended
Schedule IV. Schedule Showing Financial Soundness Indicators
Pursuant to SRC Rule 68, as Amended
Supplementary Schedule of External Auditor Fee-Related
Information
Sustainability Report
- 33 -
COVER SHEET
for
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A 1 9 9 9 1 0 0 6 5
COMPANY NAME
C O L F I N A N C I A L G R O U P , I N C . A N D
S U B S I D I A R I E S
e T o w e r s E x c h a n g e R o a d , O r t i g a
s C e n t e r , P a s i g C i t y
1 7 - A C F D B r o k e r
COMPANY INFORMATION
Company’s Email Address Company’s Telephone Number Mobile Number
No. of Stockholders Annual Meeting (Month / Day) Fiscal Year (Month / Day)
Unit 2401-B East Tower, Tektite Towers, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
NOTE 1 : In case of death, resignation or cessation of office of the officer designated as contact person, such incident shall be reported to the
Commission within thirty (30) calendar days from the occurrence thereof with information and complete contact details of the new contact person
designated.
2 : All Boxes must be properly and completely filled-up. Failure to do so shall cause the delay in updating the corporation’s records with
the Commission and/or non-receipt of Notice of Deficiencies. Further, non-receipt of Notice of Deficiencies shall not excuse the corporation from
liability for its deficiencies.
*SGVFS195666*
SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. Tel: (632) 8891 0307
6760 Ayala Avenue Fax: (632) 8819 0872
1226 Makati City sgv.ph
Philippines
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of COL Financial Group, Inc.
(the Parent Company) and Subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated statements of
financial position as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the consolidated statements of income,
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and
consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024,
and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy information.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and their financial performance
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in accordance
with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) Accounting Standards.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Philippine Standards on Auditing (PSAs). Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit
of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in
accordance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants in the Philippines (Code of Ethics)
together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial
statements in the Philippines, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with
these requirements and the Code of Ethics. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our
audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the
context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For the matter below, our description
of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the
Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report, in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our
audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of
material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements. The results of our audit procedures,
including the procedures performed to address the matter below, provide the basis for our audit opinion
on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
*SGVFS195666*
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
-2-
The Parent Company is highly dependent on the reliability and continuity of its information technology
(IT) environment to support the automated data processing of its stockbrokerage business. This IT
environment is key to the Parent Company’s revenue generation activity and is relied upon in many
aspects of its financial reporting process. We, therefore, considered the testing of the controls over IT
processes of the Parent Company to address the IT process risks as a key audit matter.
Audit response
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included in the SEC Form 20-IS (Definitive Information Statement), SEC Form 17-A and Annual Report
for the year ended December 31, 2024 but does not include the consolidated financial statements and our
auditor’s report thereon. The SEC Form 20-IS (Definitive Information Statement), SEC Form 17-A and
Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024 are expected to be made available to us after the
date of this auditor’s report.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we will not
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the
other information when it becomes available and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audits,
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated
Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial
statements in accordance with PFRS Accounting Standards, and for such internal control as management
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and
using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to
cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
*SGVFS195666*
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
-3-
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an
audit conducted in accordance with PSAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the
basis of these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with PSAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the
override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and,
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s
report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to
the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease
to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements,
including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
*SGVFS195666*
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
-4-
Plan and perform the group audit to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the
financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group as a basis for forming an
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision
and review of the audit work performed for purposes of the group audit. We remain solely
responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal
control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant
ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related
safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that
were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and
are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or
regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we
determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of
doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Janet A. Paraiso.
Janet A. Paraiso
Partner
CPA Certificate No. 92305
Tax Identification No. 193-975-241
BOA/PRC Reg. No. 0001, April 16, 2024, valid until August 23, 2026
BIR Accreditation No. 08-001998-062-2023, October 23, 2023, valid until October 22, 2026
PTR No. 10465256, January 2, 2025, Makati City
*SGVFS195666*
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
December 31
2024 2023
Security Valuation Security Valuation
Money Balance Long Short Money Balance Long Short
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4) P
=9,703,915,783 =9,438,980,073
P
Cash in a segregated account (Notes 4 and 5) 840,431 25,603,100
Short-term time deposits (Note 4) – 200,000,000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (Note 6) 101,161,494 P
=1,114,744 91,048,410 =1,547,619
P
Investment securities at amortized cost (Note 8) 435,119,474 392,290,753
Trade receivables (Notes 7 and 20) 995,011,027 8,325,786,210 880,005,226 5,507,760,133
Other receivables (Notes 7 and 20) 104,418,133 92,063,144
Prepayments 10,515,685 8,810,191
Other current assets (Note 12) 26,215,330 21,654,097
Total Current Assets 11,377,197,357 11,150,454,994
Noncurrent Assets
Investment securities at amortized cost (Note 8) 901,277,555 1,000,015,465
Property and equipment (Note 9) 62,032,150 71,713,990
Investment property (Note 10) 11,381,328 12,256,814
Intangibles (Note 11) 7,950,356 7,866,334
Deferred income tax assets (Note 19) 14,429,020 2,217,584
Other noncurrent assets (Note 12) 75,616,196 77,296,884
Total Noncurrent Assets 1,072,686,605 1,171,367,071
TOTAL ASSETS P
=12,449,883,962 =12,321,822,065
P
Securities in box, in Philippine Depository and Trust Corporation
and Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company, Limited P
=108,272,543,819 =98,073,710,631
P
(Forward)
*SGVFS195666*
-2-
December 31
2024 2023
Security Valuation Security Valuation
Money Balance Long Short Money Balance Long Short
Current Liabilities
Trade payables (Notes 13 and 20) P
=9,839,640,484 P
=99,945,642,865 =9,898,277,252
P =92,564,402,879
P
Lease liabilities - current portion (Note 21) 15,230,525 19,662,395
Income tax payable 3,671 –
Other current liabilities (Note 14) 167,515,053 125,682,186
Total Current Liabilities 10,022,389,733 10,043,621,833
Noncurrent Liabilities
Lease liabilities - net of current portion (Note 21) 11,709,072 19,484,158
Retirement obligation (Notes 18 and 20) 53,637,605 54,387,374
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 19) 90,841 12,327,097
Total Noncurrent Liabilities 65,437,518 86,198,629
Total Liabilities 10,087,827,251 10,129,820,462
Equity
Capital stock (Note 15) 595,000,000 476,000,000
Capital paid-in excess of par value 53,219,024 53,219,024
Accumulated translation adjustment 36,811,363 34,807,180
Loss on remeasurement of retirement obligation (Note 18) (35,567,381) (35,499,705)
Other equity reserves (1,019,697) –
Retained earnings (Note 15)
Appropriated 630,242,397 585,919,747
Unappropriated 1,070,617,712 1,057,563,532
Equity Attributable to the Equity Holders of the Parent Company 2,349,303,418 2,172,009,778
Non-controlling Interest (Note 15) 12,753,293 19,991,825
Total Equity 2,362,056,711 2,192,001,603
*SGVFS195666*
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Forward)
*SGVFS195666*
-2-
*SGVFS195666*
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME P
=485,554,601 =425,625,840
P =242,253,759
P
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent Company P
=488,189,337 =414,179,700
P =281,710,161
P
Non-controlling interest (698,229) (953,521) (1,792,531)
P
=487,491,108 =413,226,179
P =279,917,630
P
*SGVFS195666*
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024, 2023, AND 2022
*SGVFS195666*
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
*SGVFS195666*
COL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Corporate Information
COL Financial Group, Inc. (the Parent Company or COL Financial), a public company listed in the
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), was registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) on August 16, 1999. Its principal office is located at Unit 2401-B East Tower,
Tektite Towers, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines. The Parent Company
became a clearing member of the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines (SCCP) and
started operating its own seat as a Trading Participant in the PSE on February 16, 2009.
COL Financial and its subsidiaries, collectively referred hereinto as the “Group”, is primarily
engaged in offering stock brokerage and fund distribution services through innovative internet
technology. The Group is also engaged in providing financial advice, in the gathering and
distribution of financial and investment information and statistics and in acting as financial,
commercial or business representative.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group as at December 31, 2024 and 2023
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 were authorized for issue in
accordance with a resolution by the Board of Directors (BOD) on March 14, 2025.
Basis of Preparation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance
with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS). The consolidated financial statements have
been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
(FVTPL) which have been measured at fair value. The Group’s consolidated financial statements are
presented in Philippine peso (PHP), which is the presentation currency under PFRS. Based on the
economic substance of the underlying circumstances relevant to the Group, the functional currency of
the Group has been determined to be Philippine peso, except for COL Securities (HK) Limited
(COLHK) whose functional currency has been determined to be HK dollar (HK$).
All values are rounded to the nearest peso, except when otherwise indicated.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the accounts of the Parent Company and its
subsidiaries as at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for each of the three years ended
December 31, 2024, after eliminating significant intercompany balances and transactions. The
following are the wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries (collectively
referred hereinto as the “Subsidiaries”) of COL Financial:
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CEIUMF and CSGEUMF started offering its Units of Participation on October 4, 2022 and
October 6, 2023, respectively. The assets and liabilities held by CEIUMF and CSGEUMF in relation
to the investment of the unitholders as at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in Note 27.
On May 30, 2024, the operations of COLHK was terminated, as approved by the BOD of the Parent
Company on February 16, 2024. It is currently in the process of completing the regulatory
requirements for the dissolution of the entity.
In July 2024, the Parent Company acquired an additional 9,000,000 shares of CIMI at =
P0.84 per
share, increasing its ownership from 70.00% to 80.00%.
Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement
with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
Specifically, the Group controls an investee if and only if the Group has:
Power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant
activities of the investee);
Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
The ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the Parent Company’s
returns.
Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights result in control. To support this
presumption and when the Group has less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an
investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power
over an investee, including:
The contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;
Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that
there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary
begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control
of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of
during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group gains
control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income (OCI) are attributed to the equity
holders of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-
controlling interests having a deficit balance. When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial
statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with the Group’s accounting
policies. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to
transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control, is accounted for as an
equity transaction.
If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the related assets (including goodwill),
liabilities, non-controlling interest and other components of equity while any resulting gain or loss is
recognized in profit or loss. Any investment retained is recognized at fair value.
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Non-Controlling Interest
Non-controlling interest represents the portion of profit or loss and net assets not owned, directly or
indirectly, by the Parent Company and are presented in the consolidated statements of income,
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and within equity in the consolidated statements
of financial position, separately from equity attributable to the Parent Company.
Unless otherwise indicated, adoption of these new standards did not have a significant impact on the
interim consolidated financial statements of the Group.
o That only covenants with which an entity must comply on or before reporting date will affect
a liability’s classification as current or non-current.
o That classification is unaffected by the likelihood that an entity will exercise its deferral right.
o That only if an embedded derivative in a convertible liability is itself an equity instrument
would the terms of a liability not impact its classification.
The amendments specify how a seller-lessee measures the lease liability arising in a sale and
leaseback transaction in a way that it does not recognize any amount of the gain or loss that
relates to the right of use retained.
The amendments specify disclosure requirements to enhance the current requirements, which are
intended to assist users of financial statements in understanding the effects of supplier finance
arrangements on an entity’s liabilities, cash flows and exposure to liquidity risk.
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Deferred effectivity
Amendments to PFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, and PAS 28, Sale or Contribution
of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the consolidated foreign subsidiary are translated into
Philippine Peso at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and their statement of income
is translated at the average exchange rates for the year. The exchange differences arising on
translation for consolidation are recognized in equity (under ‘Accumulated translation adjustment’).
Upon disposal of the foreign subsidiary, the component of OCI relating to the foreign subsidiary is
recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
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The asset is recognized to the extent that COLHK bears the risks and rewards related to the clients’
monies deposited in the bank. Similarly, the accompanying liability is recognized to the extent that
COLHK has the obligation to deliver cash to its customers upon withdrawal and is liable for any loss
or misappropriation of clients’ monies.
The Group determines its business model at the level that best reflects how it manages groups of
financial assets to achieve its business objective. The Group’s business model is not assessed on an
instrument-by-instrument basis, but at a higher level of aggregated portfolios. As a second step of its
classification process, the Group assesses the contractual terms of financial assets to identify whether
they pass the contractual cash flows test (SPPI test).
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Debt securities at FVOCI are those that meet both of the following conditions: (i) the asset is held
within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets in order to both collect
contractual cash flows and sell financial assets; and (ii) the contractual terms of the financial asset
give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are SPPI on the outstanding principal amount. The
effective yield component of debt securities at FVOCI, as well as the impact of restatement on
foreign currency-denominated debt securities at FVOCI, is reported in the consolidated statement of
income. Interest earned on holding debt securities at debt securities at FVOCI are reported as
‘Interest income’ using the effective interest rate (EIR) method. When the debt securities at FVOCI
are disposed of, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income is recognized as ‘Trading and securities gain (loss) - net’ in the consolidated
statement of income. The expected credit losses (ECL) arising from impairment of such investments
are recognized in OCI with a corresponding charge to ‘Provision for credit losses’ in the consolidated
statement of income.
Equity securities designated at FVOCI are those that the Group made an irrevocable election to
present in OCI the subsequent changes in fair value. Dividends earned on holding equity securities at
FVOCI are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as ‘Dividends’ when the right of the
payment has been established, except when the Group benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of
part of the cost of the instrument, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Gains and losses on
disposal of these equity securities are never recycled to profit or loss, but the cumulative gains or
losses previously recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is reclassified to
‘Retained earnings’ or any other appropriate equity account upon disposal. Equity securities at
FVOCI are not subject to impairment assessment.
The Group had no investment securities at FVOCI as at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
After initial measurement, financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured at amortized
cost using the EIR method, less impairment in value. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into
account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees that are an integral part of the EIR. The
amortization is included in ‘Interest income’ in the consolidated statement of income. Gains and
losses are recognized in consolidated statement of income when these investments are derecognized
or impaired, as well as through the amortization process. The ECL are recognized in the consolidated
statement of income under ‘Provision for credit losses’. The effects of revaluation on foreign
currency-denominated investments are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
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Fair value is the estimated price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value
measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability
takes place either:
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group. The fair value of an
asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing
the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to
generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another
market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which
sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs
and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial
statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest
level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement is directly or indirectly observable
Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement is unobservable
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring
basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between Levels in the hierarchy by re-
assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement as a whole) at each end of the reporting period.
The fair value of equity financial instruments that are actively traded in organized financial markets is
determined by reference to quoted market close prices at the close of business of the reporting period.
For financial instruments where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation
techniques. Such techniques include comparison to similar investments for which market observable
prices exist and discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation models.
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For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Group has determined classes of assets and liabilities on
the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value
hierarchy as explained above.
the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired;
the Group retains the right to receive cash flows from the asset, but has assumed an obligation to
pay them in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; or
the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset and either (a) has
transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) has neither transferred nor
retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the
asset.
When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset and has neither
transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of
the asset, the asset is recognized to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement in the asset.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at
the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that
the Group could be required to repay.
Financial liabilities
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled
or has expired.
Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially
different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such exchange or
modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new
liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the consolidated
statement of income.
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ECLs are recognized in two (2) stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a
significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that
result from default events that are possible within the next 12 months (a 12-month ECL). For those
credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition,
a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure,
irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).
The Group calculates ECL either on an individual or a collective basis. The Group performs
collective impairment by grouping exposures into smaller homogeneous portfolios based on a
combination of borrower and account characteristics. Accounts with similar risk attributes (i.e.
facility, security, credit rating, months-on-books, utilization and collateral type, etc.) are pooled
together for calculation provisions based on the ECL models.
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the ECL associated with its debt instrument asset
carried at amortized cost and the exposure arising from unutilized margin trading facility.
For trade receivables, the Group applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the
Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognizes a loss allowance based on lifetime
ECLs at each reporting date. The Group uses a provision matrix that estimates provision rates per
days past due bucket based on the SEC requirements, which considers the collateral securities with
market value adjusted by certain factor, as required in the Group’s risk-based capital calculation and
incorporates forward-looking information. A broad range of forward-looking factors are considered
as economic inputs, such as growth of the gross domestic product, inflation rates, unemployment
rates, interest rates and Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index (PSEi) statistical indicators.
For cash and cash equivalents, cash in a segregated account and short-term time deposits, the Group
applies the low credit risk simplification.
Generally, the Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 90 days
past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a financial asset to be in default
when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding
contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A
financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual
cash flows. Investment securities at amortized cost are considered in default upon occurrence of a
credit event such as but not limited to bankruptcy of counterparty, restructuring, failure to pay on an
agreed settlement date, or request for moratorium.
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Such cost includes the cost of replacing part of such property and equipment, if the recognition
criteria are met.
The initial cost of property and equipment comprises its purchase price, including import duties, non-
refundable taxes and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and
location for its intended use. Expenditures incurred after the property and equipment have been put
into operations, such as repairs and maintenance, are normally charged against income in the period
when the costs are incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditures
have resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of
an item of property and equipment beyond its originally assessed standard of performance, the
expenditures are capitalized as additional costs of property and equipment.
Each part of an item of property and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total
cost of the item is depreciated separately.
Depreciation and amortization is computed on the straight-line basis over the following estimated
useful lives of the assets:
The carrying values of property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
An item of property and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic
benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset
(calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset)
is included in the consolidated statement of income in the year the asset is derecognized. The asset’s
residual values, if any, useful lives and methods are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate, at each end
of the reporting period.
The Group recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e., the date the
underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, less any
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease
liabilities. The initial cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized,
initial direct costs incurred, lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease
incentives received and estimate of costs to be incurred by the lessee in dismantling and removing the
underlying asset, restoring the site on which it is located or restoring the underlying asset to the
condition required by the terms and conditions of the lease, unless those costs are incurred to produce
inventories.
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Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease
term, the recognized right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of
their estimated useful life and lease term. Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment.
Investment Property
Investment property is measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial
recognition, investment properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation (for depreciable
investment properties) and impairment in value.
Investment properties are derecognized either when they have been disposed of or when they are
permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from their disposal. The
difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognized in
profit or loss in the period of derecognition.
Expenditures incurred after the investment properties have been put into operations, such as repairs
and maintenance costs, are normally charged to operations in the year in which the costs are incurred.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using the remaining useful lives from the time of
acquisition of the investment properties based on appraisal reports but not to exceed 50 years for
buildings and condominium units
Transfers are made to (or from) investment property only when there is a change in use. For a
transfer from investment property to owner-occupied property, the deemed cost for subsequent
accounting is the fair value at the date of change in use. If owner-occupied property becomes an
investment property, the Group accounts for such property in accordance with the policy stated under
property and equipment up to the date of change in use.
Intangibles
Exchange trading rights
Exchange trading rights are carried at cost less any allowance for impairment losses and are reviewed
for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying values may be impaired. The exchange trading rights are deemed to have indefinite useful
lives as there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net
cash inflows for the Group. The assessment of indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine
whether the indefinite useful life continues to be supportable. If not, the change in useful life from
indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis. The Parent Company does not intend to sell its
exchange trading right in the near future while COLHK’s exchange trading right is a nontransferable
right.
Software costs
Costs related to software purchased by the Group for use in operations are amortized on a straight-
line basis over the estimated life of three (3) to ten (10) years.
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amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. An
impairment loss is recognized by a charge against current operations for the excess of the carrying
amount of an asset over its recoverable amount in the year in which it arises.
Intangibles with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually at end of the reporting
period either individually or at the cash generating unit level, as appropriate. Intangibles with finite
lives are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be
impaired. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed by a credit to current operations to the
extent that it does not restate the asset to a carrying amount in excess of what would have been
determined (net of any accumulated depreciation and amortization) had no impairment loss been
recognized for the asset in prior years.
Leases
Group as a lessee
The Group recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases previously classified as
operating leases, except for leases of low-value assets. The right-of-use assets for all leases were
recognized based on the amount equal to the lease liabilities, adjusted for any related prepaid and
accrued lease payments previously recognized. Lease liabilities were recognized based on the present
value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at the date of
initial application.
Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present
value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments
(including in substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments
that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees.
The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be
exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the
Group exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an
index or a rate are recognized as expense in the period on which the event or condition that triggers
the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate at
the lease commencement date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.
After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of
interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities
is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed
lease payments or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result
of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be
required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are made by discounting the expected
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money
and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in
the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as an interest expense.
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Where the Group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is
recognized as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense
relating to any provision is presented in the consolidated statement of income, net of any
reimbursement.
Where the Group purchases the Parent Company’s capital stock (treasury shares), the consideration
paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of applicable taxes) is deducted from
equity attributable to the Parent Company’s stockholders until the shares are cancelled or reissued.
Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly
attributable incremental transaction costs and the related tax effects, is included in equity.
Amount of contribution in excess of par value is accounted for as a capital in excess of par value.
Capital in excess of par value also arises from additional capital contribution from the stockholders.
Retained Earnings
Retained earnings are accumulated profits realized out of normal and continuous operations of the
business after deducting therefrom distributions to stockholders and transfers to capital or other
accounts. Cash dividends are recognized as a liability and a deduction from equity when approved by
the Parent Company’s BOD while stock dividends are recognized as a deduction from retained
earnings when approved by the Parent Company’s BOD and stockholders. Dividends for the year
that are approved after the end of the reporting period are dealt with as an event after the end of the
reporting period.
Retained earnings may also include retrospective effect of changes in accounting policy as may be
required by the transitional provisions of the new or revised accounting policy.
Unappropriated retained earnings represent the accumulated profits and gains realized out of the
normal and continuous operations of the Group after deducting therefrom distributions to
stockholders and transfers to capital stocks or other accounts, and which are:
Appropriated retained earnings represent that portion which has been restricted and, therefore, not
available for dividend declaration.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized upon performance of services to the customer
at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for
those services.
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The Group assesses its revenue arrangements against specific criteria in order to determine if it is
acting as a principal or agent. The Group has concluded that it is the principal in all of its revenue
arrangements except for its brokerage transactions. The following specific recognition criteria must
also be met before revenue is recognized:
Commissions
Commissions are recognized as income upon confirmation of trade deals. These are computed for
every trade transaction based on a flat rate or a percentage of the amount of trading transaction,
whichever is higher.
Trail fees
Trail fees are recognized as income as earned. These pertain to the revenue earned by the Parent
Company from the distribution of mutual funds of various fund houses to its customers and are
computed daily as a percentage of the total assets under administration for each fund.
Under PFRS 9, when a financial asset becomes credit-impaired, the Group calculates interest income
by applying the EIR to the net amortized cost of the financial asset. If the financial asset cures and is
no longer credit-impaired, the Group reverts to calculating interest income on a gross basis.
Unrealized trading gains and losses comprise changes in the fair value of financial instruments for the
period and from reversal of prior period’s unrealized gains and losses for financial instruments which
were realized in the reporting period. Realized gains and losses on disposals of financial instruments
classified as at FVTPL are calculated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. They represent the
difference between an instrument’s initial carrying amount and disposal amount.
Dividend
Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payment is established, which is the date of
declaration.
Other income
Revenue is recognized in the consolidated statement of income as they are earned.
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Retirement Costs
Defined benefit plan
The Parent Company has a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan.
The net defined benefit liability or asset is the aggregate of the present value of the defined benefit
obligation at the end of the reporting period reduced by the fair value of plan assets (if any), adjusted
for any effect of limiting a net defined benefit asset to the asset ceiling. The asset ceiling is the
present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in
future contributions to the plan.
The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit plans is actuarially determined using the
projected unit credit method. This method reflects service rendered by employees to the date of
valuation and incorporates assumptions concerning the employees’ projected salaries.
Service cost
Net interest on the net defined benefit liability or asset
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liability or asset
Service costs which include current service cost, past service costs and gains or losses on non-routine
settlements are recognized as ‘Retirement costs’ under ‘Personnel costs’. Past service costs are
recognized when plan amendment or curtailment occurs.
Net interest on the net defined benefit liability or asset is the change during the period in the net
defined benefit liability or asset that arises from the passage of time which is determined by applying
the discount rate based on government bonds to the net defined benefit liability or asset. Net interest
on the net defined benefit liability or asset is recognized as ‘Interest expense’ in the consolidated
statement of income.
Remeasurements comprising actuarial gains and losses, return on plan assets and any change in the
effect of the asset ceiling (excluding net interest on defined benefit liability) are recognized
immediately in OCI in the period in which they arise. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the
consolidated statement of income in subsequent periods. Remeasurements recognized in OCI are
retained in OCI which are presented as ‘Gain (loss) on remeasurement of retirement obligation’ under
equity.
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Plan assets are assets that are held by a long-term employee benefit fund or qualifying insurance
policies. Plan assets are not available to the creditors of the Group, nor can they be paid directly to
the Group. Fair value of plan assets is based on market price information. When no market price is
available, the fair value of plan assets is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using a
discount rate that reflects both the risk associated with the plan assets and the maturity or expected
disposal date of those assets (or, if they have no maturity, the expected period until the settlement of
the related obligations). If the fair value of the plan assets is higher than the present value of the
defined benefit obligation, the measurement of the resulting defined benefit asset is limited to the
present value of economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in
future contributions to the plan.
The Group’s right to be reimbursed of some or all of the expenditure required to settle a defined
benefit obligation is recognized as a separate asset at fair value when and only when reimbursement is
virtually certain.
The standard requires an entity to recognize short-term employee benefits when an employee has
rendered service in exchange of those benefits.
Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the year, after giving retroactive effect for any stock dividends, stock splits or
reverse stock splits during the year, and adjusted for the effect of dilutive options.
Outstanding share options granted under the Parent Company’s share options plan (SOP) will have a
dilutive effect under the treasury stock method only when the average market price of the underlying
common share during the period exceeds the exercise price of the option. Where the effect of the
exercise of all outstanding options has anti-dilutive effect, basic and diluted EPS are stated at the
same amount.
Potential ordinary shares are weighted for the period they are outstanding. Potential ordinary shares
that are converted into ordinary shares during the period are included in the calculation of diluted EPS
from the beginning of the period to the date of conversion; from the date of conversion, the resulting
ordinary shares are included in both basic and diluted EPS.
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Taxes
Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or
paid to the taxation authorities. The income tax rates and income tax laws used to compute the
amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the
countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. Management periodically
evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax
regulations are subject to interpretations and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences. With
respect to investments in foreign subsidiaries, deferred income tax liabilities are recognized except
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that
the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences including net loss
carry-over to the extent that it is probable that sufficient future taxable income will be available
against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred income tax, however, is
not recognized on temporary differences that arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability
in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither
the accounting income nor the taxable income or loss.
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each end of the reporting period and
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient future taxable income will be
available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred
income tax assets are reassessed at each end of the reporting period and are recognized to the extent
that it has become probable that future taxable income will allow the deferred income tax asset to be
recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are applicable to the
period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on income tax rates and income tax
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.
Deferred income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is also recognized in equity.
Deferred income tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in OCI or
directly in equity.
Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right
exists to offset current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and deferred income
taxes related to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Contingencies
Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements. These are disclosed
unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote. Contingent
assets are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed when an inflow of
economic benefits is probable.
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Segment Reporting
The Group’s operating businesses are organized and managed separately according to the nature of
the products and services provided, with each segment representing a strategic business unit that
offers different products and serves different markets. Financial information on business segments is
presented in Note 26.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with PFRS requires the Group
to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and
expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities. Future events may occur
which will cause the judgments and assumptions used in arriving at the estimates to change. The
effects of any change in judgments and estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements
as they become reasonably determinable.
Judgments and estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances. However, actual outcome can differ from these estimates
The following are the critical judgments and key assumptions that have a significant risk of material
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:
Judgments
Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities
The Group considers its compliance with the offsetting criteria as a significant judgment in presenting
financial assets and liabilities in its consolidated statement of financial condition. In making such
assessment, the Group determines at each financial asset and liability the existence of an enforceable
legal right to offset and if there is an intention to settle on a net basis and to realize the assets and
settle the liabilities simultaneously.
The key assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount of the Group’s exchange trading
rights are further explained in Note 11. The Parent Company does not intend to sell its exchange
trading right in the near future. COLHK’s right is nontransferable with an indefinite useful life. As
at December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying values of intangibles are disclosed in Note 11.
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In determining the appropriate discount rate, Management considers the interest rates of government
bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, with extrapolated
maturities corresponding to the expected duration of the defined benefit obligation.
Further details about the assumptions used are provided in Note 18.
2024 2023
Cash on hand and in banks P
=252,666,475 P318,657,092
=
Cash equivalents 9,451,249,308 9,120,322,981
P
=9,703,915,783 =9,438,980,073
P
Cash in banks earn interest at the respective bank deposit rates. Cash equivalents are composed of
short-term cash investments with varying periods of up to three (3) months depending on the Group’s
immediate cash requirements, and earn interest ranging from 2.75% to 6.50% per annum in 2024,
from 3.00% to 6.38% per annum in 2023 and from 0.25% to 5.88% per annum in 2022. The Parent
Company has United States dollar (US$)-denominated cash in banks amounting to US$1,129 and
US$50,677 as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, while COLHK has US$-denominated
cash in banks amounting to US$501 and US$39,364 as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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In compliance with Securities Regulation Code (SRC) Rule 49.2 covering customer protection and
custody of securities, the Parent Company maintains special reserve accounts for its customers
amounting to =P9,575,721,717 and = P9,532,993,408 as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The special reserve accounts consist of cash in banks and short-term cash investments which are
recorded as ‘Cash and cash equivalents,’ and short-term government debt securities recorded as
‘Investment securities at amortized cost’ (Note 8). Cash and cash equivalents considered as special
reserve accounts amounted to = P9,575,721,717 and = P9,237,613,618 as at December 31, 2024 and
2023, respectively. The Parent Company’s reserve requirement is determined based on the SEC’s
prescribed computations. As at December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Parent Company’s reserve
accounts are adequate to cover its reserve requirements.
Interest income of the Group from cash and cash equivalents, cash in segregated account and time
deposits amounted to =P609,427,384, =
P591,823,401 and =P133,273,719 in 2024, 2023 and 2022,
respectively (Note 16).
COLHK receives and holds money deposited by clients in the conduct of the regulated activities of its
ordinary business. These clients’ monies are maintained with a licensed bank. The Group has
classified the clients’ monies under current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position
and recognized a corresponding payable to customers on grounds that it is liable for any loss or
misappropriation of clients’ monies (Note 13). The Group is not allowed to use the clients’ monies to
settle its own obligations.
Interest income from cash in segregated account is included under ‘Interest income - banks’
(Notes 4 and 16).
2024 2023
Government and corporate debt securities P
=74,311,389 =89,500,791
P
Mutual funds 26,401,984 640,013
Listed equity securities 448,121 907,606
P
=101,161,494 =91,048,410
P
The peso-denominated government debt securities pertain to investments in Treasury bills which bear
nominal annual interest rates of 6.22% per annum in 2024, from 3.15% to 6.23% per annum in 2023
and from 1.01% to 3.15% per annum in 2022. Interest income earned from these investments
amounted to =
P346,298, = P113,686 and =P593,340 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (Note 16).
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The Group also invested in peso-denominated government and corporate bonds which bear nominal
interest rates ranging from 4.63% to 9.25% per annum in 2024 and from 2.84% to 9.25% per annum
in 2023 and 2022. Interest income earned from the investments amounted to =
P4,214,965, P
=4,712,109,
and P=2,920,806 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (Note 16).
The dividend income under ‘Other revenues’ represents dividends received from investments in
shares of stocks of companies listed in the PSE amounted to =
P6,056, =
P96,335 and P
=248,170 in 2024,
2023 and 2022, respectively (Note 16).
Trade Receivables
This account consists of receivables from:
2024 2023
Customers (Note 20) P
=994,927,871 =857,875,951
P
Mutual fund managers 2,182,609 1,896,052
Other brokers – 11,563,223
Clearing house – 10,886,128
997,110,480 882,221,354
Less allowance for credit losses on trade receivables
from customers 2,099,453 2,216,128
P
=995,011,027 =880,005,226
P
The Group’s trade receivables from customers and their security valuation follow:
2024 2023
Money Security Money Security
Balance Valuation-Long Balance Valuation-Long
Fully secured accounts:
More than 250% P
=758,230,269 P
=7,847,314,028 P410,417,172
= =4,556,186,564
P
Between 200% and 250% 154,795,147 337,660,152 386,094,596 858,980,775
Between 150% and 200% 66,117,514 124,775,695 32,710,395 64,050,537
Between 100% to 150% 4,156,394 4,511,992 – –
Less than 100% 11,609,627 11,524,343 28,653,482 28,542,257
Unsecured accounts (Note 20) 18,920 – 306 –
994,927,871 P
=8,325,786,210 857,875,951 =5,507,760,133
P
Less allowance for credit losses on trade
receivables from customers 2,099,453 2,216,128
P
=992,828,418 =855,659,823
P
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As at December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Parent Company offered a credit line facility amounting to
=5,729,433,950 and =
P P5,682,964,950, respectively, to its customers who qualified for margin
accounts.
Trade receivables from margin customers have no specific credit terms but customers are required to
maintain the value of their collateral within a specific level. Once the value of the collateral falls
below this level, customers may either deposit additional collateral or sell stock to cover the
deficiency in their account balance. Meanwhile, receivables from postpaid customers are required to
be settled on two (2) trading days’ term for the Parent Company and COLHK. The receivable
balances become demandable upon failure of the customer to duly comply with these requirements.
As at December 31, 2024 and 2023, trade receivables from customers amounting to = P983,299,324
and P
=829,222,163, respectively, are fully covered by collateral. Interest income from customers who
availed of the margin facility amounted to P=70,695,899, P =69,049,168 and =P56,830,840 in 2024, 2023
and 2022, respectively (Note 16).
Trade receivables from clearing house as at December 31, 2023 were fully collected in January 2024.
On August 10, 2023, the Philippine SEC approved SCCP's proposal to shorten the stock trading
settlement period from three (3) trading days to two (2), effective August 24, 2023 (Note 13).
As at December 31, 2023, receivables from other brokers pertain to clients’ monies deposited to
Interactive Brokers (IB) LLC through COLHK. These were fully collected and returned to the
customers of COLHK as at December 31, 2024 as part of its dissolution procedures (Note 13).
Receivables from mutual fund managers represent compensation for selling mutual funds to its
customers. The fee is calculated daily and collected monthly.
Other Receivables
This account consists of:
2024 2023
Accrued interest on investments P
=75,696,652 =77,326,329
P
Mutual fund redemption proceeds (Note 14) 17,545,601 4,374,111
Employee salary loan and advances (Note 20) 2,368,703 1,918,322
Others 8,807,177 8,444,382
P
=104,418,133 =92,063,144
P
2024 2023
Balances at beginning of year P
=2,216,128 =2,058,749
P
Provision for (recovery from) credit losses (116,675) 157,379
Balances at end of year P
=2,099,453 =2,216,128
P
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2024 2023
Current government debt securities P
=435,119,474 P392,290,753
=
Noncurrent government debt securities 901,277,555 1,000,015,465
P
=1,336,397,029 =1,392,306,218
P
The peso-denominated government debt securities bear a nominal interest rate of 2.63% to 6.63% per
annum in 2024, 2.63% to 6.38% per annum in 2023 and 0.70% to 6.38% per annum in 2022, with an
EIR of 3.27% to 6.38% in 2024 and 2023 and from 0.70% to 5.18% in 2022. Amortization of
discount from these investments amounted to =
P744,417 and =P73,765 in 2024 and 2023, respectively,
while amortization of premium amounted to =P3,582,068 in 2022.
The Group’s investments in government securities are considered of low credit risk since these are
rated as Baa2 by an international credit rating company. This credit rating is still considered as
‘Investment Grade.’
The outstanding investments in short-term government debt securities amounting to nil and
=295,379,790 as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in the Parent Company’s
P
special reserve accounts in compliance with SRC Rule 49.2 (Note 4).
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