APG's Credits team garnered two awards during GlobalCapital’s Bond Awards ceremony. APG took second place in the Most Influential Investor in Corporate Bonds category, moving up one spot from last year. And for the first time ever, APG placed in the financial bonds category, where the Credits team came in third.
The Bond Awards rankings are based on a poll among various players in the bond market, such as issuers, investors and banks. Each year participants cast a vote for the best performing players in different categories. "That is the reason why we are especially proud," Tim Slütter, Head of EU Credits, explains. “The award truly is an acknowledgment from our colleagues working in bond markets around the world."
Rinse Boersma, portfolio manager financial credits, thinks that APG owes its nominations to the transparency that the pension provider stands for. “Especially in times of COVID, the market was very volatile. Companies and banks needed financing but got a cold shoulder. APG has always been very forthcoming about what we buy for what price. That reliability is important.”
Oscar Jansen, portfolio manager corporate credits, thinks that APG's leadership in the field of ESG was also beneficial in getting awarded. “Green bonds, social bonds, there are more and more of them. For companies that bring these products to the market, it is important that you provide clear and substantiated feedback. APG is at the forefront of this.”
In the corporate bond category, investment manager BlackRock came in first. Pimco came in third place. In the financial bonds category, it was a matter of trading places. In this category, Pimco took first place, BlackRock came in second, while APG came in third. Tim Slütter: "Of course APG is a sizable candidate too, but compared with these parties we are almost punching above our weight. We are proud that we can compete with these kind of world-class players."
GlobalCapital is a news and data service for international professionals working in the capital markets. It has hosted the Bond Awards for twelve years. More information about the Bond Awards can be found here: Welcome to the GlobalCapital Bond Awards 2021! | GlobalCapital