Jose Ma. L. Barcelon, one of the pioneers in securities trading in the Philippines, put up his own trading company in 1955. With an initial capitalization of only ₱ 20,000.00 contributed by his siblings and close family friends, JM Barcelon & Co., Inc. today is a stable company backed by secure assets.

When Jose put up his trading company, he envisioned the securities market in the country to be a vibrant contributor to the country’s rising economy, despite the devastation brought by World War II. Its first office was located in Nueva, Binondo, Manila staffed by himself as the trader, a page boy, and a secretary. Communication technology revolved around a single phone line, trades were written on a big blackboard.

Through his passion, knowledge and integrity, Jose rose to become a true leader in the industry, serving several terms as President and later Chairman of the Manila Stock Exchange and on many listed company boards. He wrote a regular column on the stock market for the Manila Chronicle which was widely followed by the investing public. He was founder and President/Chairman of Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation, one of the earliest oil exploration companies in the country, which continues to be listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange. He also joined the founding board of international brokerage Yamaichi Securities (H.K.) now Core-Pacific Yamaichi.

Sixty years later, JM Barcelon & Co., Inc., continues to be an active member of the Philippine Stock Exchange. Now in the management of the second and third generations, we are dedicated to continuing to offer you our founder’s vision of the best services for wealth creation.

Jose in front of the trading board
at the Manila Stock Exchange