Meet the market man: Omar Cruz, Philippines treasurer

In less than two years the Philippines has transformed its sovereign debt programme from laggard to leader in emerging markets. The work of the republic’s treasurer, Omar Cruz, lies behind much of the change. Euromoney talks to the Philippines’ market man about the changes and the challenges ahead.

Omar Cruz “I’ve brainwashed my entire team against just borrowing and borrowing, but instead to watch the market and time cashflows and to ride the yield curve”
Omar Cruz

WHEN OMAR CRUZ assumed the role of treasurer of the Philippines in early 2005, Asia’s largest and most frequent sovereign borrower had a mixed reputation with the market as a somewhat unpredictable and opportunistic borrower whose strategies echoed the country’s chaotic political landscape. The political shenanigans are still never far from the headlines but the republic’s treasury has certainly smartened up its act.

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