Riding the wave: Gearing up for growth and inclusion

John Howard D. Medina
Chief Operating Officer, PBCOM

John Medina is the Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Bank of Communications. He has more than 25 years of experience driving innovation, change and transformation for financial services in different countries.

He was a pioneer in the process and technology management practice in the 1990s when he helped transform the Asia Pacific operations of one of the largest multinational banks. He subsequently established a private consulting firm in the United States, helping design new digital business initiatives for financial institutions and startups.

Prior to joining PBCOM, he was the Head of Global Operations, Technology and Credit for the Philippine National Bank. He was also the Integration Director who oversaw the merger of Philippine National Bank and Allied Banking Corporation in 2013. Medina also worked at Union Bank of the Philippines where he conceptualised and implemented digital banking products and services.

Eugene S. Acevedo First Vice President, Bankers Association of the Philippines' (BAP) and President and Chief Executive Officer, RCBC

Eugene S. Acevedo is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). Under his leadership, RCBC has become one of the fastest-growing universal banks in the Philippines, accelerating its business and digital transformation across assets, loans, and deposits. The bank has also earned multiple accolades for innovation, including recognition as the Best Digital Bank and Best in Customer Service.

With over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, Mr. Acevedo is a seasoned veteran. He began his career at Citibank, where he rose to the position of Managing Director and Country Treasurer for the Philippines, and later, Hong Kong. He has also driven the significant business and financial growth of several other commercial and thrift banks, including his tenure as President and CEO of the Philippine National Bank.

Lito Villanueva
EVP & Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)

Lito Villanueva is the Philippines’ award-winning thought leader on digital transformation and inclusive digital finance at scale. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer at RCBC, he spearheaded RCBC's digital revolution, introducing groundbreaking and award-winning innovations. Among its recognitions include the Asiamoney’s Best Bank for Digital for four consecutive years (2020-2023), Gartner’s Eye for Innovation, and YouTube’s Challenger award, to name just a few.

Villanueva was recently feted as the Philippines’ Innovator of the Year for Banking in the Asian Management Excellence Awards, the Outstanding Achievement for Marketing Management in the Agora Awards, considered as the ‘Oscars’ of Philippine marketing industry, a two-time Circle of Excellence awardee in the Asia CEO Awards, PhilSec’s Digital Leader of the Year, and as the “Mr. FinTech of the Philippines” by NewsBiz Asia. He bagged triple LinkedIn awards as one of the Top 100 Filipinos on LinkedIn, Philippines’ Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn, and Top Finance Leader under the LinkedIn Leadership Catalysts Awards in 2023. He is also featured in prestigious lists like Seamless Asia's Top 50 Banking and Payments Leaders and Top 100 Fintech Leaders in Asia, amongst his over 70 regional and global accolades.

He is the Founding Chairman of Fintech Alliance.PH, Global Chairman of the Alliance of Digital Finance Associations, a trustee at the Philippine Blockchain Council, Asia FinTech Alliance, and an advisory board member at the ASEAN Innovation Business Platform. He has authored publications including the award-winning Inclusive Digital Finance Report and has a regular business column ‘Bytes’ in the Philippine Star.

Kenneth F. Catugas
Head of Information Technology, ING Hubs Philippines

Kenneth F. Catugas is the Head of Information Technology at ING Hubs Philippines, where he oversees the entire IT operations and drives innovation for over 4,500 ING staff across three office locations. He is a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) in the UK and a member of the British Computer Society. ING Bank, a global financial institution, ranks among the top 30 banks worldwide by assets, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

With over 15 years of experience in IT infrastructure, operations, and management, Kenneth has extensive hands-on expertise in systems management, security, networking, project management, and data center transformation, utilizing a wide range of technologies. His diverse background includes roles in IT consulting, renewable energy, FMCG, management consulting, and shipping, which have provided him with a broad understanding of how to leverage information technology across different industries.

Sonja Davidovic
Adviser, Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub

Sonja is an Adviser at the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub (BISIH) Singapore leading the Hub’s digital asset program. In this role, Sonja leads project Mandala and co-leads projects Rialto and Mariana. Sonja is seconded from the Monetary Authority of Singapore while on leave from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

At the IMF, Sonja worked as Economist and Digital Expert on Transformative Technologies. In that position, she provided capacity building, and technical advice to IMF member countries on digital assets, including CBDCs. In addition to numerous analytical and research papers on financial technology and digital currencies, she also contributed to the analytical work for the G20 agenda to enhance cross-border payments. Immediately prior to joining the BIS, Sonja worked as Market Infrastructure Expert on the digital euro investigation phase at the European Central Bank (ECB).

Noel Tagaza
SVP, Chief Digital Officer, Chinabank

Noel Tagaza is the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Chinabank. He leads the bank’s digital transformation initiatives, focusing on enhancing digital platforms and driving innovation to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

Marthyn Cuan
Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Metrobank

Marthyn Cuan is a seasoned executive serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Metrobank. With extensive leadership experience and hands-on expertise in digital strategy and program management, Marthyn has a proven track record of executing multi-million dollar transformative initiatives. Known for a start-up mindset and a collaborative approach, Marthyn combines a forward-thinking perspective with a relentless focus on achieving results. This unique blend of skills and attributes drives innovation and growth, making a significant impact on the organization’s digital transformation efforts.

Dennis M. Tangonan
SVP and Chief Information Officer, Security Bank

Dennis Tangonan is the Chief Information Officer at Security Bank, bringing over 25 years of IT leadership experience. He is a highly technical and results-focused executive, specializing in cloud computing, infrastructure, data centers, technology architecture, security, network, and IT service management. Dennis has a proven track record of delivering large-scale IT projects across regional and global banks in Asia Pacific. Known for thriving in fast-paced environments, he excels in building high-caliber teams, architecting scalable infrastructures, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility.

Lucose T. Eralil
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Security Bank

Lucose T. Eralil is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Security Bank, where he excels in driving digital transformation and technology change. With extensive experience in IT management and digital innovation within the financial services industry, Lucose is known for delivering large-scale strategic transformations and building high-performance teams. His expertise spans IT operations, systems development, outsourcing, and advisory services. Having worked internationally in locations such as Singapore, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Poland, and India, Lucose effectively leads global teams to achieve corporate objectives. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Management Institute and actively mentors through Startup Bootcamp and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

Dennis D. Omila
Executive Vice President Chief Transformation Officer, UnionBank of the Philippines

Dennis D. Omila serves as the Executive Vice President Chief Transformation Officer at Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank). Additionally, he holds a board directorship at UBX, the technology arm of UBP, and acts as the Executive Advisor of the Digital Integration Committee, which serves as the Technical Governance and Oversight body for all subsidiaries under UBP.

Robert S. Paguia
Division Chief International Cooperation on Cybercrime and Data Protection Officer, CICC

Robert S. Paguia is a seasoned Data Privacy Advocate and Cybersecurity Practitioner, specializing in the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).

Robert has been a key advisor to several government agencies, including the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), the training arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), where he helps develop data privacy policies and practices. He has also worked with other government bodies to shape regulatory frameworks and enhance cybersecurity protocols.

Maria Cristina “Ginbee” L. GO
Executive Vice President - Head, Consumer Banking, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Ginbee leads BPI’s Consumer Banking Segment, overseeing the combined retail businesses post-merger of BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank, serving over 11.3 million customers. Following BPI’s recent merger with Robinsons Bank, she now manages 868 branches nationwide, digital platforms, and a wide range of retail products including deposits, loans, and bancassurance. Under her leadership, BPI has expanded its retail customer base, enhanced customer engagement, and improved asset quality through digital innovation and strategic initiatives. Ginbee fosters a high-performance culture, focusing on transforming branches into advisory centers and enhancing customer experience through both physical and digital channels.

Malek Mroueh
VP & Regional Head, Asia, Middle East & Africa, TSYS

Malek Mroueh brings over 30 years of experience in the card and payments industry, having held numerous leadership roles throughout his career. With deep expertise in global payment landscapes, he has worked and lived in the UK, Cyprus, Malaysia, and Dubai. Currently, Malek serves as the Regional Head of Asia, Middle East, and Africa at TSYS. In this role, he oversees revenue growth, client success, and stakeholder engagement within the payments ecosystem. His career spans diverse areas of payments, including solution design, market development, and consulting. Malek is also well-versed in digital payment channels and frequently represents TSYS as a dynamic speaker at international conferences. His personal interests include financial inclusion, embedded finance, and blockchain technology.

Dr. Adrienne Heinrich
AI and Innovation Center of Excellence Head, UnionBank

Dr. Adrienne Heinrich heads the AI and Innovation Center of Excellence at Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI) and at Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank). Before that, Adrienne led AI and Machine Learning for personal health and connected care products at Royal Philips.

Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap
MD, Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment, Regulatory Operations and Advisory Services, BSP

Atty. Charina B. De Vera-Yap serves as the Managing Director of the Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-Sector (FINCESS) within the Regulatory Operations and Advocacy Sector (ROAS) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In this role, she leads efforts to promote financial inclusion, strengthen consumer protection, and oversee market conduct. She also spearheads the BSP’s integrated economic and financial learning initiatives.

Before her current role, Atty. De Vera-Yap was the Director of the Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office (CPMCO), where she managed the BSP’s consumer protection strategies and market conduct programs. Her career at the BSP began in 2000 as part of the legal and technical team in the Supervision and Examination Sector. Prior to joining the BSP, she served as a Court Attorney at the Court of Appeals and worked as legislative staff for the late Senator Raul S. Roco in the Philippine Senate.

Michael Araneta
Lead for AWS Banking GTM (ASEAN)

Michael Araneta is the Lead for AWS Banking GTM in Southeast Asia (ASEAN). He is tasked to grow the prominence of AWS in the C-suite of leading banks in the region, contributing to AWS business development and thought leadership efforts across the region. Key areas of focus include the adoption of cloud in core banking system modernization, digital lending, Banking-as-a-Service, and fintech innovation. Michael Araneta has over 20 years of experience in research and strategic advisory for financial institutions across the region. Immediately prior to joining AWS, Michael was head for IDC Financial Insights Asia/Pacific, leading IDC’s team of analysts covering leading banks and insurers in their digital transformation effort.

Frankie Wai
Business Solution Director, Temenos

Frankie Wai is the Business Solution Director at Temenos, responsible for defining solution strategies across the APAC region and advising on innovative banking technologies. He has been instrumental in designing the digital banking architecture for a virtual bank in Hong Kong and continues to drive transformative solutions for digital bank licensees throughout Asia Pacific. A frequent speaker at events such as The Asian Banker, Singapore Fintech Festival, and Temenos Regional Forums, Frankie shares his expertise on topics including virtual banking, open banking, composable banking services, innovation, and carbon trading.

Foo Boon Ping
President and Managing Editor, The Asian Banker

Foo Boon Ping manages The Asian Banker’s publishing and research business in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. He regularly engages the financial services community on transformational issues shaping the industry; speaking at and chairing many of the Asian Banker’s as well as partners’ events. He has more than 25 years' experience in strategic brand management, corporate & marketing communication and research & consulting, covering: retail, corporate and transaction banking, financial markets, risk management, compliance and financial technology. He had previously served in senior management positions at UOB and DBS Bank. He was also formerly a senior consulting manager at Ernst and Young and started his career as a financial journalist.

Christian Kapfer
Research Director, TABInsights

Christian Kapfer is research director at The Asian Banker, leading research and consulting engagement with top-tier financial institutions in benchmarking business and strategic capabilities across leadership, commercial, retail and transaction finance, financial markets, risk management, financial technology, and wealth management. Kapfer joined The Asian Banker in 2014 and was responsible for starting many of the company's research programmes, such as Excellence in Retail Financial Services, AB 500 Strongest Banks Ranking and Working Groups.

Urs Bolt
International Resource Director, The Asian Banker

Urs Bolt is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in financial services, specialising in digital banking and wealth management. He is a global influencer and thought leader in fintech, wealthtech, digital wealth management, and digital assets. Bolt has a proven track record in developing digital platforms and leading strategic initiatives, including creating a B2B social business platform for wealth managers, digital investment platforms, prime services for high-net-worth clients, post-trade services for FX/OTC products, and business transformation projects. He helps financial service providers and tech companies refine business strategies, develop solutions, and build partnerships.

Mark Anthony de Leon
Channels Head, Retail Banking Group, Sterling Bank of Asia

Mark Anthony de Leon serves as the Channels Head at Sterling Bank of Asia, where he leads the development and implementation of key projects and programs aimed at enhancing and expanding the bank’s service delivery channels, including over-the-counter (OTC), ATMs, and digital platforms. In his role, he collaborates with various units across the bank to streamline processes and improve customer service.

As Project Manager for Institutional Initiatives and Innovations in Retail Banking Channels, Mark drives the research and adoption of new payment systems and electronic banking channels to meet evolving industry trends, competition, and customer needs. He leads a team responsible for building strategic partnerships with branches, Fintech firms, money service businesses (MSBs), and international tie-ups to maximize the profitability of retail banking products such as Overseas Filipino Accounts, Kids’ Accounts, Online Savings Accounts, and Prepaid Cards.

Jay Sabido
Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer, China Bank

Delfin Jay M. Sabido IX is the Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at the bank, where he leads the Innovation and Transformation Segment. He also serves as a Director at Chinabank Properties & Computer Center, Inc. With over 25 years of global technology experience, Delfin has held executive roles at AXA Philippines, Stratpoint, Ionics EMS, IBM Philippines, and Wave Optics, Inc. His expertise spans banking, finance, technology, and corporate governance, with additional professional training in LOMA and other key areas.