Unicapital challenges notion investing is for the rich

LOCAL brokerage Unicapital Securities, Inc. is seeking wider participation in the Philippine stock market by strengthening engagement with retail investors and challenging the long-held perception that investing is limited to wealthy individuals or institutional players.

- By Alexandria Grace C. Magno

“Even outside of Metro Manila, we're doing roadshows, investor education to really educate the normal retail investor. Before, there was a perception that the stock market is only for people with money, it’s only for the rich but really now, it’s anyone can invest,” Unicapital Securities, Inc. President Maria Concepcion Y. Fernandez said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

Founded in 1997, the brokerage firm has evolved from primarily servicing institutional clients to developing online trading platforms and conducting investor education programs nationwide to reach a broader public.

The firm said it goes beyond transaction-driven brokering by providing client-specific guidance on risk and investment opportunities.

“For Unicapital, it’s a very personalized service — that is what we give to our clients. Since we’re very small, we take a look at what our clients really need. We study their finances first and we let them know, especially if it’s for something they want to expand or what,” Marie Angela M. Hing, first vice-president for treasury and fixed income, said in the same interview.

“We take a closer look at whatever they need from us, and we let them know. We give them what strategies from our side we think is best for them. I guess that’s where we are different from the other investment firms.”