Francis Ongpin-Lock Chiu

First VP, Head of Consumer Banking Applications, BDO Unibank

Francis Ongpin-Lock Chiu is an award-winning technology executive with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence in financial services. As First Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking Applications at BDO Unibank, he leads initiatives that enhance customer experience, optimize operations and align technology strategies with business objectives.

Francis has successfully led large-scale teams and strategic initiatives, including reducing system vulnerabilities, integrating core banking solutions for revenue growth, and managing multimillion-dollar portfolios.

David R. Hardoon

Global Head of AI Enablement , Standard Chartered Bank

David is the AI Global Head for Standard Chartered Bank. Previously, David was Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) first appointed Chief Data Officer and Head of Data Analytics Group and subsequently Special Advisor (Artificial Intelligence). In these roles he led the development of the AI strategy both for MAS and Singapore’s financial sector as well as driving efforts in promoting open cross-border data flows. David pioneered the regulator and central bank adoption of data science as well as establishment of the Fairness, Ethics, Accountability and Transparency (FEAT) principles, first-of-a-kind guidelines issued in 2018 for adopting Artificial Intelligence in the financial industry, as well as establishing the MAS-backed Veritas consortium.

In prior roles, David was Senior Advisor for Data and AI to the Aboitiz Group, a Philippines base Conglomerate, external advisor to Singapore's Corrupt Investigation Practices Bureau (CPIB) in the capacity of Senior Advisor (Artificial Intelligence) and external advisor Singapore's Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) in the capacity of Senior Advisor (Data Science).

Franco G. Nazareno

Chief Technology Officer, OwnBank

Franco Nazareno is the Chief Technology Officer of OwnBank, currently steering the bank’s transition from a legacy core banking system to a modern digital platform. With over 15 years of experience in fintech, insurtech, and digital operations, Franco has led transformative technology initiatives across various high-growth industries. He specializes in system modernization, cloud architecture, and digital strategy execution.

Lito Villanueva

EVP & Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer, RCBC

Lito Villanueva is the Philippines award-winning and leading authority in digital transformation and inclusive finance. As RCBC's Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer, he has driven groundbreaking innovations, earning over 300 accolades, including Euromoney's Best Bank for Digital (2020-2025), Singapore Fintech Festival's Sustainable Innovator of the Year 2024, and ASEAN's Best Customer Experience Bank at the ASEAN Fintech Forum Awards 2025. He also advises the Yuchengco Group on digital transformation.

Villanueva was named among People Asia's Men Who Matter in 2025, Asia's Trailblazer of the Year 2025 by Retail Banker International, and has received top honors from the Asia Marketing Federation, The Digital Banker, and the Asian Management Excellence Awards. Dubbed "Mr. FinTech of the Philippines" by BizNews Asia, he also holds multiple Linkedin leadership distinctions.

Esel de Sagun-Madrid

Head of Data Science & AI COE, Security Bank Corporation

Esel De Sagun-Madrid leads the data science and analytics team at Security Bank, where she oversees the central team of data scientists, analytics engineers and analysts in driving real business impact with their bank partners. She’s passionate about making data practical—helping teams use it to solve problems, make better decisions, and innovate responsibly.

Before Security Bank, she also built and led data teams at another major financial institution. Earlier in her career, Esel worked in the US in management consulting, gaining exposure to insurance, supply chain and other industries. A Certified Public Accountant by background, Esel brings a unique combination of financial discipline, business acumen, and technical depth to her work.

Oliver V. Chato

Director III, ICT Department
Securities and Exchange Commission

Oliver Vinzons Chato is an IT professional with nearly three decades of experience in the Philippine IT industry. His skillset includes software and hardware support, mobile and web application development and architecture, IT programme management, and the application of frameworks and methodologies.

He has been part of the Ateneo DISCS faculty, specialising in computer networks and blockchain. Since March 2020, he has been with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has served as Director of the Information and Communications Technology Department since February 2022. In this role, he supports the Commission En Banc in leading its digital transformation and IT modernisation efforts.

Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco

President, Bankers Association of the Philippines;
President & CEO, Bank of the Philippine Islands

Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco is the President and CEO of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country’s first bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most established financial institutions. He assumed the role in April 2021 and has been a member of BPI’s Board and Executive Committee since 2019. He also serves as Chairman or Director across multiple BPI subsidiaries, including BPI Wealth, BPI Capital, BPI/MS Insurance, and BPI Foundation, among others. Outside BPI, he is the President of the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chairman of Philippine Payments Management Inc., and holds leadership roles in various corporate, academic, and civic organisations.

His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including Communicator of the Year 2023 (IABC Asia Pacific) and Best CEO (Philippines) in Asia’s Best Managed Companies 2023 by FinanceAsia. Prior to BPI, TG held several key roles at Ayala Corporation, including CFO, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer, and served on the boards of Globe Telecom, Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc., and AC Energy International, among others. A former executive at JP Morgan and BZW Asia.

Mario R. Domingo

OIC & Chief Commercial Officer
UBX Philippines

Mario Domingo is the Officer-in-Charge & Chief Commercial Officer at UBX. He previously served as the Global CTO of UBX, and earlier as Asia Pacific Group CTO of Cboe Technology Philippines Inc. and President & CTO of Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings. A prominent figure in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, Mario holds a PhD in Leadership Studies, majoring in Business Leadership, from the John Gokongwei School of Management. He also founded DARC Labs, an AI-powered cancer and diagnostics research center and is the Director for the Ateneo Institute for Digital Enterprises at the Graduate School of Business.

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.

Urs Bolt

Chairman, The Banking Academy

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.

Christian Kapfer

Research Director, TABInsights

Christian Kapfer is research director, managing TABInsights, 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.

Jaime Valentin Araneta

President & Director, Citystate Savings Bank

Jaime Valentin Araneta is currently the President & Director of Citystate Savings Bank. Araneta began his banking career as a Manager at Boston Bank of the Philippines (1981–1988) and later held leadership roles at PNB Republic Bank, Asiatrust Bank, and Philippine Savings Bank. He served as Vice Chairman and President of Unity Rural Bank (2012–2014), Executive Vice President at Planters Development Bank, Chinabank Savings, and PBCOM (2011–2019), and Director at PBCOM Insurance Services Agency (2017–2020). In 2022, he was elected Director of Citystate Savings Bank and became its President in June 2023.

Chia Hock Lai

Chairman, Responsible Fintech Institute;
Co-chairman, Digital Assets Association

Chia Hock Lai chairs the Responsible FinTech Institute, championing real-world utilities for responsible innovation. He also co-chairs the Digital Assets Association, actively building the ecosystem for institutional digital assets and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization.

He brings more than two decades of financial and technology expertise from organizations like GovTech and Income Insurance. Widely recognized as a thought leader and ecosystem builder, he fosters public-private dialogue, promotes responsible innovation, and drives regional collaboration across the Indo-Pacific. He co-founded and led the Singapore FinTech Association, Blockchain Association of Singapore and Global Fintech Institute. An NUS and NTU alumnus, Hock Lai is a fellow for both Institute of Banking & Finance and SkillsFuture, recognized for his contributions to digital transformation and skill development.

Rahul Bhargava

World Bank Consultant & Ambassador
EPAA, Currency Research, AI 2030

Rahul Bhargava is a globally recognised leader in financial services and payments, with over 22 years of experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and responsible AI adoption. He has led major initiatives across organisations like SWIFT, the World Bank Group, WEF, Accenture, FIS, and EPAA, focusing on digital money evolution, cross-border payments, CBDC interoperability, and emerging technologies.

Rahul has played a key role in launching next-generation payment systems, fostering interoperability, and advancing instant payments and open finance. He works closely with both public and private sectors on strategic programmes aligned with the G20 agenda.

Recently recognised as a “Responsible AI Leader” by AI2030 and awarded “Ambassador of the Year” by EPAA and AI2030, he is a frequent speaker at global events such as Sibos, Money 2020, and the Singapore Fintech Festival. He currently leads a global consulting portfolio, advising banks, fintechs, and governments on navigating the future of finance and payments.

Biswa Banik

Group Chief Data Officer, Tonik Bank

Biswa Banik is the Group Chief Data Officer at Tonik, the Philippines’ first fully digital bank. A seasoned analytics leader, Biswa has driven data strategy and transformation across Southeast Asia and the U.S., from heading data at fintech unicorn Kredivo to shaping AI-powered products at Microsoft, PwC and Oliver Wyman. He brings an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to harnessing Big Data and Generative AI for real-world financial solutions. Passionate about data and compassionate about people. Biswa is pioneering Tonik’s next wave of innovation in financial ecosystems

Askari Brown

Head of Solution Consulting, APAC, ACI Worldwide

Askari Brown is a payments veteran with more than 25 years of payments and financial services experience, he drives new client acquisitions while harnessing strategic partnerships to enhance solution deployment and activation for ACI clients. During his ACI career, now spanning nearly two decades, Askari covered multiple leadership roles across the enterprise, with an emphasis on consumer and wholesale banking software solutions.

Askari also spent four years as the VP of Global Multi-rail Payments Practice Lead at Mastercard, where he led a global advisory team driving multi-rail payment opportunities and projects that focused on real-time, account-to-account, and cross-border remittance payments.

Ika Tjahjana

Principal Solutions Engineer, APAC, Mambu

Angelina Tjahjana is a seasoned banking and technology leader with over 17 years of experience in financial services solution consulting, technical engagement, development, and implementation across APAC, the Middle East, and Europe.

She is a Principal Solutions Engineer for APAC region at Mambu. Since joining Mambu in 2019, she has been instrumental in growing the company’s footprint, driving new market entry, and improving the product offerings. Her expertise includes business analysis, retail and islamic banking, cash supply chain management, digital transformation, and cloud based solution. She’s passionate about making secure and reliable financial services accessible to all.

Michael Araneta

Lead ASEAN Banking AWS

Michael Araneta is the lead for AWS Banking 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. He also covers how fintechs will be part of the strategy of banks in new themes such as core banking, embedded finance, and Banking-as-a-Service.

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 fintechs, and leading banks and insurers in their digital transformation effort.

Cristina Amor Maclang

Co-Founder, International Digital Economy Association

Amor Maclang has led cross-functional and cross-border collaborations among regional and national line agencies, industry leaders, academes, policymakers, and various stakeholders both from the private and public sectors. As the convenor of Digital Pilipinas, the largest private sector led movement for creating an innovation and a technology ecosystem in the Philippines, Amor continuously champions the mass uptake of blockchain, web 3.0, cryptocurrency, e-commerce, and fintech to raise the country’s innovation quotient.

Amor is currently one of the advisors of the Department of Finance, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Department of Health initiating transformational change in line with her mission to transform the country into diverse antifragile ecosystems.

Pancho Reyna

Chief Technology Officer, UBX

Pancho Reyna is the Chief Technology Officer at UBX. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has served as CEO of a data analytics company, Head of Software Engineering for an international low-latency stock exchange operator, and Founder and CEO of a tech solutions services company. His expertise spans software engineering, data analytics, and tech startups in telecoms, banking, big data, and finance.

Roland V. Oscuro

Chief Information Security Officer & Data Protection Officer, PNB

Roland V. Oscuro, First Senior Vice President, is the Chief Information Security Officer and in concurrent capacity the Data protection Officer of the Philippine National Bank (PNB). He is an ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and an Electronics and Communication Engineer.

Roland V. Oscuro, First Senior Vice President, is the Chief Information Security Officer and, in concurrent capacity the Data protection Officer. Prior to his present position, Mr. Oscuro was hired as IT Consultant of the Bank on November 2, 2003. In May 2004, he was appointed as the Head of Network Management Division of Information Technology Group with the rank of First Vice President. He was the Operational Support System Group Manager of Multi-Media Telephony, Inc (Broadband Philippines) prior to joining PNB. He was also connected with various corporations such as Ediserve Corp. (Global Sources), Sterling Tobacco Corporation, Zero Datasoft (Al Bassam), Metal Industry Research and Development Center, and Pacific Office Machines, Inc.

John Howard Medina

COO, PBCOM

John Howard D. Medina is the Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Bank of Communications. He has over thirty years of experience driving innovation, change and transformation for financial services across several countries.

John is one of the pioneers in the process and technology transformation practice for financial services and helped change the Asia-Pacific operations of one of the largest multinational banks. He subsequently established a consulting firm in the United States, helping create new digital business initiatives for US financial institutions and fintechs.

Prior to joining PBCOM, John was the Head of Global Operations, Technology and Credit for the Philippine National Bank, where he worked for almost fifteen years. He was also the Integration Director, who oversaw the merger of PNB with Allied Banking Corporation. Mr. Medina also worked at Union Bank of the Philippines for five years where he conceptualized and implemented digital banking products and services.

John Januszczak

Fintech Executive | Board Advisor – Financial Services & Digital Transformation (Former President & CEO, UBX)

John Januszczak is a recognized leader in the fintech industry, known for his innovative vision and strategic expertise. As former CEO of UBX, UnionBank of the Philippines’ fintech spin-off, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that reshaped financial services through technology. With over two decades of experience, he has consistently driven growth, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation.

Under his leadership, UBX launched groundbreaking products and services for diverse markets, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. He skillfully navigated complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance while pushing fintech’s boundaries. Prior to UBX, Januszczak served as COO of Manulife Philippines, a leading multinational insurer.

Beyond corporate leadership, he actively engages in industry forums, sharing insights on finance and technology, and mentoring emerging talent. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Januszczak remains a key voice shaping the future of fintech, championing sustainable growth and technological advancement.

Nichel Gaba

Founder & CEO, Philippine Digital Assets Exchange

Nichel Gaba is the Founder and CEO of PDAX, the Philippines’ largest homegrown cryptocurrency exchange, licensed and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas since 2018.

PDAX provides over 90 million Filipinos with secure access to digital assets—including crypto, stablecoins, and tokenized securities—and is at the forefront of the country’s push toward broader blockchain adoption. Under Nichel’s leadership, PDAX is driving innovation in digital remittances and pioneering the tokenization of traditional assets such as government bonds.

Before founding PDAX, Nichel held key roles in trust, investment management, and securities services at HSBC.

Albert P. Dela Cruz

Chief Information Security Officer, GoTyme

Albert Dela Cruz is currently the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of GoTyme Bank. GoTyme Bank is a joint venture of Tyme, a multi-country digital banking group, with members of the Gokongwei Group, namely Robinsons Bank, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.

Abet is an established executive in Information Technology and the pioneer of the practice of Information Security in the Philippines. He contributed to information technology, security, and data privacy related policies as well as to agency rules and legislations for the Philippine Government including The eCommerce Act (RA8792) 

Anti-Cybercrime Act (RA10175), Data Privacy Act (RA10173), The Supreme Court rules on Electronic Evidence and eNotary. He continuously provides technical assistance and advisory to various government agencies and non-profit organizations “Pro-Bono Público”, as a private citizen and as Co-Founder, and Director of the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team Coordinating Center (PHCERT/CC).

He is also a director and co-founder of HIGH FIVE HOPE – a not-for-profit organization based in Seattle Washington, U.S.A. which helps to get Filipino street children off crime and substance abuse through the power of sports.

William Bryson

Head of Partnerships, Philippines
Mambu

William Bryson is a seasoned financial services executive leading strategic partnerships across ASEAN for Mambu, a global cloud banking SaaS platform. Based in Metro Manila, he champions digital transformation for banks, neo‑banks, wealth managers, and fintechs. With deep expertise in deploying agile core banking solutions, William helps institutions scale and innovate in fast‑evolving markets. He is passionate about driving financial inclusion through technology and fostering sustainable growth across the region.

Jose Maria P. Valdes

CTO Citystate Savings

Jose Maria “Mayi” Valdes brings 44 years of experience in the IT industry, with expertise spanning infrastructure design, IT management, and digital transformation. He has led IT groups in four banking institutions, a sales and manufacturing company, and an independent ATM deployer, implementing core banking systems, loan management platforms, trade finance, treasury, and insurance applications.

Mayi has spearheaded the rollout of digital banking solutions for internet and mobile platforms, fostered collaborations with payment gateways and fintechs, and recently evaluated advanced cybersecurity tools, including SIEM systems, to establish a Managed Security Operations Center (MSOC) for Philippine Business Bank. He has also assessed fraud management, threat intelligence systems, and cloud versus on-premise infrastructures.

Mitch Bautista

FSI Lead, AWS Philippines

Mitch Bautista is an accomplished IT professional with 17 years of experience in the industry. He is currently an Enterprise Account Director and concurrently the FSI Lead for AWS Philippines. His extensive experience has made him proficient in tackling complex technological challenges and delivering efficient solutions. With a passion for innovation and a track record of successful projects, he continues to be optimistic and excited about the ever-evolving IT landscape that help Philippine enterprises be world class.

Mamerto E. Tangonan

Deputy Governor, Payments and Currency Management Sector, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan heads the Payments and Currency Management Sector (PCMS) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), overseeing the interplay between digital money and physical currency to support the country’s financial digital transformation. He ensures the safety and integrity of the Philippine currency and a well-functioning payments and cash ecosystem that fosters long-term growth.

With over 28 years of experience in financial services, telecommunications, technology, financial inclusion, and consulting, DG Tangonan previously led the USAID-funded E-PESO project, accelerating the shift from cash to digital payments and assisting the BSP in implementing the National Retail Payments System (NRPS). His earlier work includes USAID’s Scaling Innovations in Mobile Money in the Philippines, developing a digital finance-enabled agriculture value chain in Tanzania, and securing an e-money license for PT Smart Telecom in Indonesia.

He has supported the Bureau of Internal Revenue in e-payment tax collections and partnered with LGUs to adopt digital disbursements. He also served as General Manager of PT Smart Telecom, Director at Globe Telecom handling GCash mobile banking, and First Vice President at ING Life Insurance (Phils.).