In 2025, the landscape for CFOs and finance leaders in Asia is increasingly complex, with growth remaining a top priority amidst evolving challenges. According to Alexander Bant, chief of research in the Gartner Finance Practice, “CFOs and CEOs are united in their focus on profitable growth, with nearly two-thirds identifying it as a key strategic priority.” Following this, technology and workforce management emerge as crucial areas of concern.
However, the role of modern CFOs extends beyond fostering organisational growth and optimising costs. They must adeptly navigate a landscape filled with uncertainties, balancing the pursuit of growth with effective risk management. As pivotal players in risk mitigation, CFOs are expected to formulate robust plans to tackle potential crises such as:
Also, a Gartner survey highlights that 62% of CFOs and 58% of CEOs believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will significantly reshape their sectors in the coming years. As CFOs increasingly integrate AI into financial operations, they must also address the accompanying challenges and ethical implications of emerging technologies.
The 5th FutureCFO Philippines Conference 2025, themed “Pathways towards Differentiated Success,” will serve as a vital platform for finance leaders to explore strategies that ensure steady margins while effectively managing risks. Attendees can expect insights from seasoned industry experts on critical topics, including:
This conference will equip CFOs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing environment, ensuring they can balance the dual imperatives of growth and risk management.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
CFOs, MDs, VPs, Directors, Heads, GMs, and Senior Managers, involved in:
The FutureCFO Conference aims to give CFOs, who also act as their company’s strategic business partner and catalyst, insights on ensuring corporate growth and successfully mitigating risks and challenges amidst the current economic and political uncertainties in their countries. The conference will also address strategies and best practices on how CFOs can reimagine finance functions and their organizations to survive and thrive in today’s fast-paced and digitally driven landscape.
This by-invitation only one-day event will gather over 120 senior finance leaders from multiple industries and offers the best opportunity to hear from the industry’s leading professionals, contribute questions from the floor, engage in incisive panel discussions that discuss real-life business cases, updates and strategies to meet the most pertinent challenges facing the finance function in 2020.
We gather 20+ industry speakers and experts from leading organizations for keynote presentations and incisive discussions so you can tap on their invaluable insights and best practices important to your finance function management and transformation.
Be part of our interactive panel discussions that address the current hot topics, share ideas and experiences and get the answers to your pressing questions from prominent finance leaders on stage.
Meet new business partners, engage and forge new connections with fellow finance and treasury leaders in the region, solution providers and many more at our event through luncheons, coffee breaks, one-to-one meetings and informal introductions.
8 hours of learning and networking opportunities packed into 10 in depth sessions. Listen to corporate-driven best practices and case studies sharing that are targeted to your profession through the personalized country-specific conferences we crafted for you - FutureCFO Conferences.
09:00
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
09:15
In 2025, CFOs face the challenge of balancing business growth and profitability with fostering innovation and ensuring compliance. As the finance function evolves, how can it add genuine value from the perspective of business stakeholders? This session emphasises the strategic focus and complexities that CFOs will face in 2025.
Moderator:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Panelists:
Natnicha Jitthavech, Finance Director, BEIERSDORF PHILIPPINES INC.
Elwil Millena, Finance Director, HALEON
Kathrine Rose Catindig, CFO/Head of Finance, HEINEKEN PHILIPPINES
09:50
As credit tightening and inflationary pressures create a challenging environment, CFOs face the dual challenge of managing expenses while ensuring cash flow, profitability, and growth. In this context, the digitisation of payment processes has emerged as a strategic imperative, offering new avenues for value creation and enhanced bottom-line performance. How can innovative payment automation serve as a catalyst for financial resilience and strategic growth in 2025?
10:15
Interviewer:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
10:50
11:20
CS Lim, Vice President of Asia, JEDOX
11:45
As CFOs navigate an increasingly complex landscape, they face new mandates: innovating rapidly, accelerating automation, collaborating with governments and industries, establishing robust financial controls, ensuring regulatory compliance, and attracting top talent. To thrive in 2025, what essential skills, qualities, and insights must modern CFOs cultivate to effectively manage risks, respond swiftly to market demands, and seize emerging opportunities?
Moderator:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Panelists:
Joel Baguipo, Financial Controller, LIGHT RAIL MANILA CORPORATION
Maryknoll B. Zamora, CFO, PNB HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Kunal Manchanda, CFO Central Cluster, ASEAN & South Pacific OU, THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
12:20
As the tax landscape becomes increasingly complex, CFOs—particularly those with global or regional responsibilities—must take a proactive role in managing tax compliance. With the implementation of the OECD/G20 BEPS 2.0 Pillar Two framework, many jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region are actively advancing their tax regulations. Additionally, the Philippines’ government is set to introduce several new tax measures in 2025, further complicating compliance efforts.
As CFOs face the challenge of navigating these evolving regulations while ensuring their organisations remain compliant, how can finance leaders effectively manage these complexities and minimise risks?
Interviewer:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
12:45
14:00
As the business landscape evolves and digitalisation accelerates, the threat of cyber-attacks has become a critical concern for CFOs. According to PwC’s 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights, only 2% of businesses have achieved comprehensive cyber resilience, even though cybersecurity issues are increasingly pressing and the average data breach costs over $3 million. In this context, how can finance leaders effectively safeguard their organisations in the digital era?
14:25
As we approach 2025, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in finance is becoming a pivotal focus for CFOs across Asia. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 90% of finance functions will implement at least one AI-enabled technology solution. Notably, 44% of finance professionals are already leveraging AI for intelligent process automation, enhancing information processing and anomaly detection. With AI’s potential to transform decision-making and operational efficiency, how can finance leaders harness this technology effectively?
Moderator:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Panelists:
Stefan Yordanov, VP Finance & VP Strategy and Corporate Projects, LUFTHANSA TECHNIK PHILIPPINES
15:00
A McKinsey Global Survey of CFOs in March 2024 reveals that while 98% of CFOs have invested in digitisation and automation within their finance functions, only a quarter of their processes are fully digitised or automated. As we navigate the uncertainties of 2025, finance leaders need to understand the challenges and strategies essential for modernising the finance function in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. How should finance leaders drive their digital transformation efforts while balancing the inherent risks and opportunities of the evolving financial landscape in Asia?
Interviewer:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Interviewees:
Jef Lacson, CFO, UNIONDIGITAL BANK
Lorie Paz Chavez, CFO, SUMMIT MEDIA & GOKONGWEI BROTHERS FOUNDATION
15:25
15:55
Recent surveys indicate a significant shift in workplace dynamics across Asia-Pacific, with over 60% of companies reporting stable office attendance. This trend underscores the widespread acceptance of flexible and hybrid working models as the future of work. In the Philippines, the newly enacted CREATE MORE bill mandates that Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies maintain at least 50% of their workforce on-site, while allowing for up to 50% remote work.
As CFOs and finance leaders navigate this talent trends, how can they effectively manage these transitions while attracting and retaining top finance talent?
Moderator:
Elmer Sarmiento, Lecturer, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY – JOHN GOKONGWEI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Panelists:
Frederick Pineda, SVP & CFO, MALAYAN INSURANCE COMPANY
16:30
As we navigate the uncertainties of 2025, one element remains vital for businesses of all sizes and sectors: cash flow. For CFOs, optimising cash management is crucial not only to enhance financial performance but also to mitigate risks in an unpredictable market.
In this session, we will explore how CFOs can effectively balance the imperative of maintaining liquidity while pursuing sustainable growth amidst evolving market dynamics.
Interviewer:
Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
16:55
17:00
Senior Vice President, Applications, Asia Pacific
ORACLE
Group Editor-in-Chief
CXOCIETY
Country Finance Director
DKSH PHILIPPINES
IT Specialist - Budget and Finance, IT Department
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Senior Vice President for Finance and Group CFO
UNITED LABORATORIES
Lecturer
ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY - JOHN GOKONGWEI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
SVP Corporate Product Management Head Transaction Banking Center
UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES
VP for Finance & CFO
ENDERUN COLLEGES
Head of Finance, Accounting & Procurement
SHEARWATER HEALTH PHILIPPINES
CoE Accounting and CoE ICS Lead
FRENESIUS MEDICAL CARE PHILIPPINES
Country Finance Director Philippines
RECKITT
CFO, Treasurer & CRO
FIGARO COFFEE GROUP
SVP Finance, Non-Trade Procurement and Property Development Director
WATSONS PERSONAL CARE STORES (PHILIPPINES)
Head of Applications
ORACLE PHILIPPINES
Senior Director, Client Development
RGP
Sales Engineering Team Leader, Southeast Asia
UIPATH
Regional Director and Lead for Finance and Risk Solutions, Centre of Excellence
SAP APJ
Chief Finance Officer
PLUXEE PHILIPPINES
CFO, CRO, VP for Finance and Treasurer
SHELL PILIPINAS CORPORATION
Finance Director
CITADEL PACIFIC
Head of Commercial Finance
HOME CREDIT PHILIPPINES
VP, Head of Sales- APAC
APPTIO
General Manager for Finance and Comptrollership
BEN LINE AGENCIES
AVP Finance, Treasury and Warehouse Management
ROXAS HOLDINGS
President
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Summit serves businesses in Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with a team of approximately 80 staff members across these markets. The company is led by a seasoned executive team with over 20 years of experience, including CEO Jo-ann Chung, CTO Isaq Ahmed, and CFO Jim Goudie. Their backgrounds include leadership roles at companies such as Xendit, MYOB, and Westpac Bank, bringing a wealth of expertise in financial services and technology.
Summit is backed by renowned investors such as Insight Partners, Global Founders Capital, Tiger Global Management, Salesforce and Alpha JWC Ventures, further strengthening its ability to drive growth and innovation. Since launch, Summit has been well-received by the market, as it meets the growing need for smarter, more efficient expense management solutions for Southeast Asian businesses. The platform’s capabilities have been validated by notable article mentions by Finews Asia, Fintech Futures, and AsiaOne, showcasing Summit’s commitment to helping companies automate and enhance their spend management processes..