Jef is the Regional Deputy CFO and Controller of Pacific Cross (a leading Health Insurance Provider in Asia), with almost 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, risk, and audit, mainly in the insurance industry.

He started his career as a risk advisory and audit consultant at KPMG, where he gained exposure to high-profile engagements in the financial services and manufacturing industries with clients from the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. While advancing in his roles, he earned several professional certifications and accreditations, such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CLSSGB, FICD, CII (Award), ASEAN CPA, and completed a Master’s degree in Business Economics with InsurTech thesis at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

As a finance leader, he has managed operations across multiple countries and emerging Asian and Pacific markets, including implementing IFRS 17 standards and leading transformation initiatives. He also held CFO roles at AIG, QBE, and in Nat-Re while overseeing other functions such as corporate transformation, technology, internal audit, and compliance.

His passion for learning and innovation led to recognitions from Tradeflock as one of the 10 best CFOs from Asia in 2023, Insurance Business Asia as one of the 12 rising insurance stars in the Asia Pacific under 36 years old in 2020, and Professionals of the Future as one of the 25 most inspiring young professionals in the Philippines in 2018.