Metrobank: Private wealth investors shift strategy in 2026

Private wealth investors are heading into 2026 with what Metrobank calls a more disciplined, opportunity-driven approach to asset allocation, marked by selective risk-taking, regional differentiation, and wider diversification across asset classes, the bank said.

Metrobank said high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients are moving away from broad, market-wide positioning and instead focusing on where risk is better rewarded.

The bank said it has observed a shift toward Asia and Emerging Markets, where valuations are “more compelling” and earnings prospects appear “more resilient,” compared with developed markets that continue to face policy uncertainty and elevated expectations.

“Investors are no longer simply chasing returns, they are being far more selective about how and where capital is deployed,” said Ma. Cristina Gabaldon, Metrobank Head of Investment Management.

“This has led to more differentiated portfolios that reflect both opportunity and caution.”

Metrobank said equities remain the primary growth engine for medium-risk private wealth portfolios, with investors maintaining overweight positions relative to fixed income.

The bank said exposure is increasingly being channeled through exchange-traded funds that provide global and regional equity allocations, particularly in Asia.

Metrobank pointed to structural themes such as semiconductor companies benefiting from artificial intelligence, along with “better valuations,” as continuing drivers of investor interest in the region.

At the same time, Metrobank said investors are adding select fixed-income exposure to improve portfolio resilience through active mutual funds.

The bank said these mutual funds provide global credit exposure, expertise in duration management, access to agency-backed securities, and other specialized segments.

Metrobank said fixed income exposure can act as a stabilizer in a volatile market, especially amid expectations that interest rate cycles may turn more supportive later in the year.

A key part of the shift, the bank said, is the growing role of alternative assets.

Metrobank said it is seeing rising allocations to commodities such as gold and silver, which it said are increasingly viewed as strategic hedges against geopolitical risks and currency volatility.

The bank said these commodities are commonly accessed through exchange-traded funds, allowing investors to balance protection and liquidity.

Metrobank also said interest in digital assets is evolving, particularly among younger, investment-savvy ultra-high-net-worth clients.

While still tactical in nature, Metrobank said cryptocurrencies and related products are being used to complement traditional assets and provide diversification.

In contrast, Metrobank said appetite for private equity, real estate, and hedge funds remains muted, with higher financing costs continuing to weigh on sentiment toward less liquid assets.

“ This shift reflects a more mature investment mindset,” Gabaldon said.

“Private wealth investors are building portfolios that are not just positioned for upside, but are also designed to navigate uncertainty in a more fragmented global market.”

Metrobank said that as market outcomes become more differentiated, private wealth investors are placing greater value on active advisory, risk and return trade-offs, and access to diversified investment solutions.

The bank said it has a team of wealth experts supporting high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients with curated global and regional investment strategies, disciplined portfolio construction, and timely market insights aligned with clients’ evolving financial goals.

Metrobank said that by combining local market expertise with global investment access, it aims to help clients navigate uncertainty, capture long-term opportunities, and build resilient portfolios in a fast-changing investment landscape.

The bank also directed readers to its Wealth Insights platform for market updates, portfolio advice, and investment ideas and insights.

Metrobank described itself as the country’s second largest private universal bank serving retail and business clients with customized financial products and services.

It said it has a consolidated network of over 900 domestic branches nationwide, more than 2,200 ATMs, and above 29foreign branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices.

Metrobank said its capital ratios are among the highest in the industry, with total capital adequacy ratio at 17% and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 16.3% as of end-September 2025.

The bank said consolidated assets stood at PHP 3.6 trillion, describing it as one of the strongest and well-capitalized banks in the Philippines.