Beyond the numbers: Why investor relations matters more than ever

Trust is the foundation of every healthy capital market. It shapes investment decisions, influences valuations and underpins long-term relationships between companies and their shareholders.

Building and sustaining that trust is one of the principal objectives of investor relations – a discipline that has become increasingly important as the Philippine capital market continues to evolve.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL), through its Investor Relations Circle (IRC), will convene investor relations professionals, corporate leaders, communications executives, finance practitioners and other capital market stakeholders for its 2026 Investor Relations Forum on July 17.

Carrying the theme “Beyond the numbers: Crafting the corporate narrative,” the forum seeks to advance the practice of investor relations by promoting dialogue, professional development and the exchange of best practices.

The evolution of investor relations

Investor relations was once viewed primarily as a support function responsible for preparing disclosures, organizing investor briefings and responding to shareholder inquiries. While these responsibilities remain essential, the role has expanded significantly.

As companies face growing expectations from investors, regulators and other stakeholders, investor relations has become a strategic function that helps organizations communicate not only their financial performance, but also their long-term strategy, governance, risk management and approach to creating sustainable value.

At its core, investor relations serves as the bridge between a company and the investment community. It helps ensure that investors receive accurate, timely and meaningful information while providing management with valuable insights into shareholder perspectives and market expectations. Effective investor relations strengthens confidence, supports fair valuation and contributes to more efficient and resilient capital markets.

Professionalizing the practice

Recognizing the growing importance of this discipline, SharePHIL launched the IRC in 2023 to help develop and professionalize investor relations practice in the Philippines. Since then, the IRC has served as a platform for education, networking and the sharing of ideas and best practices among investor relations professionals while encouraging Philippine companies to strengthen their engagement with shareholders.

The rationale for this initiative remains as relevant today as it was when the IRC was introduced. As SharePHIL chairperson Ma. Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia observed at the time, the interests of investor relations professionals and shareholder advocates are closely aligned because both seek to help investors better understand their rights and investments, while encouraging greater participation in the capital markets.

The other side of the equation: Investor education

Effective investor relations ultimately depends on informed investors. Clear and transparent corporate communication achieves its purpose only when investors have the knowledge and confidence to understand the information being disclosed.

This conviction led SharePHIL to launch Project RISE (Retail Investor & Shareholder Empowerment), its flagship investor education initiative developed in collaboration with the Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc. (CMDFI) and the FINEX Research and Development Foundation.

Through educational videos, seminars, workshops and digital learning resources, Project RISE seeks to make investor education more practical, accessible and relevant for Filipinos from all walks of life.

Scaling impact through strategic partnerships

Expanding investor education requires more than quality content – it also requires reaching people where they already learn, transact and make financial decisions.

This shared vision has led SharePHIL to forge strategic partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to investor education and financial literacy. Among these is its partnership with GCash, which supports SharePHIL’s investor education advocacy and reflects a common commitment to promoting financial literacy and empowering more Filipinos to make informed financial decisions.

Beyond education and professional development, SharePHIL continues to contribute to public discourse on issues affecting investors and the Philippine capital market. Through its regular column in the The STAR, the organization’s officers, trustees, members and partners have written on topics ranging from investor protection and corporate governance to regulatory reform, artificial intelligence, sustainability and investor relations. These articles seek to encourage informed dialogue on issues that shape the future of the Philippine capital market.

Building confidence together

These initiatives were recognized in 2025 when SharePHIL received the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Capital Market Development Award, affirming the organization’s contributions to investor education and capital market development. More importantly, the recognition underscores the value of collaboration among regulators, listed companies, professional organizations, market institutions and investors in advancing a stronger and more inclusive capital market.

Healthy capital markets are built on confidence.

That confidence grows when companies communicate openly, investors understand both the opportunities and the risks before them and institutions work together to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

The SharePHIL Investor Relations Forum represents one milestone in that continuing journey. More broadly, it reflects SharePHIL’s commitment to strengthening investor relations as a profession, expanding investor education and fostering partnerships that contribute to a more transparent, resilient and vibrant Philippine capital market.

Because beyond the numbers are the relationships that sustain markets, the trust that attracts investment and the confidence that drives long-term growth.