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The SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Banking and Capital Markets (BCM) team hosted its annual Banking Industry Briefing on 31 August 2023. Topics such as Sustainability and Climate Risks, Digital Transformation, Innovation and Cyber Security, and a case study on Digital Innovation were discussed. More than 300 participants attended the event. (From left to right) FSO Leader Christian Lauron, BCM Leader Janeth Nuñez-Javier, FSO Assurance Leader Irene Janet Alvarado-Paraiso, Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson Tan, Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid, BSP Financial Supervision Sector Senior Director Melchor Plabasan, BSP Assistant Governor Lyn Javier, Deputy BCM Leader Veronica Arce Balisi, and Markets Leader Vicky Salas at the Banking Industry Briefing FSO Leader Christian Lauron welcomed the participants and delivered the opening remarks. SGV Markets Leader Vicky Salas served as the moderator during the Q&A session with external speakers: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Lyn Javier, BSP Financial Supervision Sector Senior Director Melchor Plabasan, and Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid. Banking Industry Briefing participants FSO Forensics and Cybersecurity Partners discussed different solutions relevant to banking clients and relevant regulatory updates and their impact on the audit of banks. FSO Partner and Wealth & Asset Management (WAM) Leader Ray Francis Balagtas delivered the closing remarks. SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson Tan and FSO Assurance Leader Irene Janet Alvarado-Paraiso, among other Partners, were also present during the event. The FY24 Banking Industry Briefing was organized by FSO Partners and BCM Leader Janeth Nuñez-Javier and Deputy BCM Leader Veronica Arce Balisi together with FSO Senior Managers and BCM Lead Managers Geraldine Rose Ogerio and Glaiza Escaño.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Manager Dominique Raissa Torralba and International Tax and Transactions Services (ITTS) Manager James Edward Agbayani were resource speakers in the 2023 JP Morgan Payments Forum held at the Grand Hyatt Manila. Participants from different business organizations attended the event. (From left to right) James, JP Morgan Philippines Executive Director and Payments Head Sari Mortel, Dominique, and JP Morgan Philippines Vice President and Philippines Client Service and Implementation Head Reginald Cruz Dominique and James discussed payments and e-invoicing, including insights on the latest trends and developments in the payments industry, and how the reliable and secure implementation of e-invoicing would spur greater digital payments adoption, and vice versa. FSO Senior Manager Dominique at the JP Morgan Payments Forum FSO Manager James during his presentation Dominique shared insights on the country’s attainment of the targets set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, based on the digital payment adoption trend of different segments of users. Dominique also discussed the state of digital payments adoption in other jurisdictions, and how policies and processes put in place led to gains in the payments industry and were mutually beneficial for e-invoicing and taxation initiatives.  James, on the other hand, shared updates regarding the government’s goal towards digitalization through the implementation of the e-Invoicing system (EIS). He discussed the timeline of EIS implementation, as well as the aspects which companies need to adhere to and prepare for.  James and Dominique closed the discussion with an overview of what companies could expect in terms of the flow of their billing and payment processes considering the linkage of digital payments and e-invoicing. Other speakers were JP Morgan Philippines Equities Research Head Jeanette Yutan and JP Morgan Cybersecurity Operations Lead and Cybersecurity & Technology Controls, Asia Pacific Intelligence Group Head Adonis Polychronopoulos. The speakers provided valuable insights on several topics, such as the “Philippines Macroeconomic Outlook and Cybersecurity Essentials: Staying Ahead.” An open forum was also conducted after each speaker’s presentation. Dominique and James during the Q&A session EXL Health and Philippines Business Finance and Pricing Head Dipto Sen and JP Morgan Asia Pacific Digital Channel Product Solution Sales Lead Steffanus Widjaja also participated as panelists during the panel discussion on “Leveraging Technology for The Future of Treasury and Payments,” which was moderated by JP Morgan Singapore and ASEAN Treasury Services Product Head Gundeep Singh. JP Morgan Payments Forum participants JP Morgan Philippines Senior Country Officer and Banking Head Carlos Mendoza gave the welcome remarks, while JP Morgan Philippines Global Corporate Bank Head Richard Lee concluded the session by delivering the closing remarks and thanking the participants.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Manager Alister Benedict Rodriguez passed the Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) and Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA). FAM and SRM exams passer FSO Senior Manager Alister Benedict Rodriguez Alister passed both the FAM and SRM exams within five months, showcasing his knowledge of actuarial modeling and data analysis and positioning himself as a valuable asset in the field of actuarial sciences and risk management. The FAM exam assesses candidates' understanding of actuarial methods in modeling both short-term and long-term liabilities, while the SRM exam assesses candidates' understanding of statistical methods and models to analyze data. These exams are crucial for actuaries as they demonstrate their proficiency in applying mathematical and statistical techniques to assess and manage risk.   The SOA is a global professional organization for actuaries that offers a variety of certificate programs that prepare candidates for a future in the actuarial industry. These programs also provide candidates with a strong foundation in actuarial science and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their careers. With its extensive network and resources, the SOA continues to support and advance the actuarial profession worldwide. The SGV FSO team will be holding FSO briefings on actuarial sciences and risk management for SGVeans and students.  Congratulations, Alister!

SGV held its first-ever weeklong Sustainability Summit from 7 to 11 August 2023. SGV’s Sustainable Actions for Value-Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council and its four pillars spearheaded the event, with the theme, “Build Today, Save Tomorrow: Invest in long-term value creation towards sustainable growth,” which reflects the Firm’s commitment to building a better and more sustainable working world. The Summit showcased the Firm’s sustainability efforts with the goal to inspire SGVeans to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. SGV Sustainability Summit organizers, speakers, and on-site participants Various talks, simulation activities, demos, and exercises were conducted during the event. It also featured several distinguished external resource speakers, who provided in-depth insights into their sustainability journeys, both professional and personal. Participants check the display of sustainable products One of the highlights of the weeklong event was an auction held for the benefit of the Mindanao fisherfolk. Over 100 registered online and onsite bidders participated in the Treasure Trove auction, raising a total of PhP95,000.00. Chief Sustainability Officer and SAVE Council Chair Clairma T. Mangangey spoke on the state of sustainability efforts and the Firm’s progress toward achieving its sustainability targets. SGV Partners and Principals also shared their sustainability journeys. SGV SAVE Council group photo The Summit was capped off with messages from Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, EY Global Vice Chair for Sustainability Amy Brachio, CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, and Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz.

SGV Leaders and Partners paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona, Jr. on 23 August 2023. BSP Governor Remolona’s term began on 3 July. SGV Leaders and Partners with newly appointed BSP Governor Eli Remolona, Jr. (center) The SGV team was led by Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. He was joined by SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Leader Christian G. Lauron, FSO Assurance Leader Irene Janet S. Alvarado-Paraiso, and FSO Banking and Capital Markets Sector Leader Janeth T. Nuñez-Javier and SGV Partners Maria Margarita D. Mallari-Acaban, Veronica Arce Balisi, Joseph Ian M. Canlas, and Charisse Rossielin Y. Cruz.  BSP Senior Assistant Governor Johnny Noe E. Ravalo, BSP Assistant Governor Lyn Javier, and BSP Governor’s Chief of Staff Pia Roman-Tayag were also present during the courtesy call.

SGV Consulting Partner Christian G. Lauron joined the two-day 2023 Institute of International Finance (IIF) Sustainable Finance Summit held in Tokyo, Japan. The summit was supported by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA) and leading financial institutions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Christian (center) at the 2023 IIF Sustainable Finance Summit The panelists and moderators for the various discussions during the summit were Japan government officials and different bank and industry leaders. Global and regional banks, policy makers and regulators, insurers, and other financial institutions also participated in the summit. Among the topics in the summit were strategic planning for the net-zero transition, ensuring credibility in transition finance and investment, the changing regulatory and policy landscape for sustainable finance, insurance and the net-zero transition, the future of global carbon markets, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data and metrics, enabling transition finance, building transition finance markets in Asia, financing clean technology and natural capital, and the vital role of blended finance. Conversation with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (right) The panelists also talked about how the private sector plays a crucial role in supporting the Net Zero transition by focusing on transition finance and investment. They emphasized that financial firms are evaluating planning, assessing portfolio alignment, and addressing greenwashing risks. They also noted how the insurance sector aids companies in reducing and preparing for the effects of climate change.  Additionally, they pointed out that international carbon markets are expanding, and standards and benchmarks are being developed to support global decarbonization. They also noted that as voluntary frameworks and regulatory communities address concerns about greenwashing and transition-washing, there is a growing demand for ESG disclosure. Then Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda delivers his keynote speech The panelists also talked about how C-suite executives are rethinking traditional financial intermediation parameters to fund the energy transition and meet global climate change adaptation and mitigation goals. They highlighted that as Asia's governments and companies plan long-term growth strategies, sustainable financial markets are a key priority. 

SGV Partners represented the Firm in a Philippine trade mission to South Korea from 15 to 20 August 2023. The trade mission aimed to help secure business leads among Korean companies to invest in the Philippines, further strengthen the participants’ network, and lay the groundwork for future business missions. The Philippine delegation’s group photo at the Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center Tax Leader Fabian “Fame” K. Delos Santos, Korean Business Network and Business Services Group Leader Alvin Pinpin, SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge Margaux Advincula, and Indirect Tax and Global Trade Principal Victor De Dios joined the trade mission organized by the Philippines-Korea Economic Council (PHILKOREC) led by its Chairman, Mr. Robert Yupangco.  Margaux, Alvin, Fame, and Vic with PHILKOREC Chairman Robert Yupangco (center) SGV team expresses support and cooperation with the Commercial Counselor of PTIC in the Philippine Embassy to Korea Jose Ma. “Jojie” Dinsay, Mr. Robert Yupangco, and representatives from Korean business groups The Partners joined a courtesy call on Her Excellency Amb. Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega and officers of the Philippine Trade & Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul. They also participated in business-to-business meetings between the entire Philippine delegation and representatives of Korean companies aiming to develop trade partnerships. EY Korea and SGV team with Amb. Dizon-De Vega On a separate occasion, the Partners were joined by EY Korea Senior Advisor and Korean Business Network Global Leader Chong Yun Park and EY Korea Business Tax Services Leader Seung Yeop Woo in a meeting with Amb. Dizon-De Vega, where they talked about growth prospects in trade between Korea and the Philippines.

SGV Tax Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines conducted a tax webinar for the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) on “How to Effectively Handle a BIR Tax Audit” held via Zoom on 25 August 2023. Event poster Atty. Rhena (lower right) with the SGV Tax Team Atty. Rhena discussed the BIR tax audit procedure and provided tips and leading practices in handling BIR tax audits. She highlighted the importance of understanding the BIR tax audit procedure to ensure compliance with tax regulations. She also emphasized the need for businesses to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the process to effectively address any potential issues that may arise. Atty. Rhena also talked about the significance of maintaining accurate and organized financial records, as this plays a crucial role in successfully navigating BIR tax audits. 

SGV Tax Principal Atty. Alden C. Labaguis, together with Indirect Tax (IDT) Associate Directors Attys. Lauren Antonette M. Mendoza and Kierk Robin M. Ret, and IDT Senior Associates Attys. Andrea Nicole C. Loreno and Natividad G. Busa, were speakers in the 2023 SGV Nurturing Leadership Internship Program (NLIP) Leadership Talk session for students accepted for internship at SGV. Atty. Alden and his team shared their stories as well as their personal takes on what “Stewardship, Grit, and Vibrance” mean to them with the 2023 batch of interns. Atty. Alden and team with the 2023 SGV NLIP interns Atty. Alden opened the Leadership Talk by sharing his personal and professional stories, describing how he started in SGV leading up to his designation as Principal in 2023. Atty. Alden related and highlighted events to show how he believes he was living the principles of Stewardship, Grit, and Vibrance, hoping to inspire and embolden the interns to reach for their dreams and life goals.  Attys. Laurs, Kierk, Nicole, and Naty also recounted their respective CPA-Lawyer journeys and their stories exemplifying Stewardship, Grit, and Vibrance. Each sharing concluded with a narrative of professional experiences of working in SGV and learnings from Atty. Alden as a leader. The team thanked Atty. Alden for being their inspiration to strive and achieve their goals.  In closing, Atty. Alden quoted a story from Steve Jobs’s 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech saying, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.” Atty. Alden also encouraged the interns to seize opportunities during their internship in SGV and challenged them to “follow the dots” and create their own inspiring SGV stories to answer the question: “What’s your SGV story?”  The NLIP program was organized by the SGV Internship team composed of Mariane Kristine M. Riano, Angelou Ma. D. Remo, Kayla Anne Resente, and Nicola Francesca A. Fajardo.

SGV Transfer Pricing (TP) teams led by TP Partners Romulo “Rommie” S. Danao, Reynante M. Marcelo, Deonah L. Marco-Go, Joyce A. Francisco, Ana Katrina C. De Jesus, and Auresana B. Ines conducted back-to-back team-building and planning activities for FY 2024. Rommie with Team 1 displaying a clue The team-building activity was inspired by the adventure reality game show The Amazing Race. It aimed to build rapport and strengthen connections among the participants. The activity tested both their mental and physical abilities as they raced to the pit stop. Along the way, the participants were acquainted with landmarks in the SGV buildings, with the race culminating at the Washington SyCip Park.  Amazing Race participants during a challenge to eat spicy noodles at the e-Café International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Manager Natasha Kim R. Tec, together with her co-managers Rhiza S. Alcantara Delfinado and Donna Phoebe M. Pascua; Seniors Jed Nathaniel M. Gonzalez, Jessica Cassandra Leen C. Balisi, Czar Rafael B. Miguel, and Rolan Jay C. Villa Del Rey; Associates Catherine Mae P. Bañez, Bennalou Andrea B. Consolacion, and Keanna S. Devela; and Administrative Lead Febralyn Mae T. Tayona, organized the team-building activity. On the second day, the TP teams met to set the road map for FY 2024. The discussions were focused on offering new TP services and possible cross-subservice-line and cross-service-line collaboration. Other topics discussed were initiatives in TP Transformation, Quality, and People pillars. The event concluded with an open forum.    SGV TP teams group photo after the planning activity Tax Senior Managers Maxine Victor E. Manuel and Eva Christine V. Naparan and Tax Managers KZ T. Genovea, Rebecca S. Reyes, Maria Angelica C. Espiritu, Danyka Marie S. Binuya, and Xandra Jizelle Q. Reyes led the presentation of TP initiatives.