At the 2003 International Financing Review awards, Morgan Stanley took top honors for U.S. Equity House and USD Investment-Grade Corporate Bond House, as well as North American Securitization House.

Morgan Stanley hosted several clients at the event, including the BBC and Gazprom, both of which received recognition for their innovative and outstanding financing programs. The BBC received the Sterling Bond award for the July 2003 bond issue (Morgan Stanley was sole arranger and book runner), while Gazprom walked away with the Emerging Market Bond and EEMEA Emerging Market Bond awards (Morgan Stanley advised).

U.S. Equity House
Morgan Stanley received the U.S. Equity House award due to the Firm's unique ability to make the transition across asset classes and investor bases. “If ever there was a year for us, this was it,” said Ted Pick, Global Head of Equity Syndicate.

The merger of equity and debt capital markets in July 2002 (resulting in a more holistic approach toward capital market structures) combined with a willingness to accept joint-book runner roles alongside commercial banks -- also attributed to the success.

USD Investment-Grade Corporate Bond House
Morgan Stanley is the only Firm to act as bookrunner on the two highest profile automotive transactions of 2003: General Motors and Ford Motor Credit. The Firm has achieved differentiation in a market where there is fierce competition for mandates against commercial banks with large balance sheets, providing borrowers with strategic solutions and execution expertise.

May Busch, Managing Director and Head of European Coverage of Global Capital Markets, and Michael Keaney, Co-Head of Global Syndicate, accepted the awards on behalf of the Firm and sat at the top table alongside HRH Princess Anne.

View a full list of the award winners (not printable).