Wick Veloso
Tycoon Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank (PNB) is the “best managed” bank and its chief executive officer Wick Veloso is the “best CEO” in the Philippines, according to Singapore-based publication The Asian Banker.
The Asian Banker’s Leadership Achievement Awards program is deemed as a prestigious citation for professionals in the financial services industry in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa given its independent, rigorous, impartial and transparent evaluation process.
The program aims to provide benchmarks of exemplary leadership for future generations of potential leaders so that the industry can develop in a sustainable manner.
The award was given to PNB, one of the largest banks in the country, for demonstrating excellence on its response to the challenges brought about by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that was imposed by the government to curb the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The pandemic has proven to be the toughest challenge we are facing as a business community and as a Filipino nation thus far. We are delighted that our efforts in providing safe and sustainable banking have been recognized by The Asian Banker. It is truly an honor. We thank our chairman, Dr. Lucio Tan, the Tan family, and our Board of Directors and Management Team for their unwavering support. We are grateful for every Philnabanker for their exemplary commitment to serve”, Veloso said in a press statement on Friday.
With the appropriate technologies already in place prior to the lockdown in March, PNB was able to quickly deploy majority of its workforce on a work-from-home arrangement to ensure uninterrupted financial services while safeguarding the health of its customers and employees.
To date, about four out of every 10 PNB employees are working from home, equivalent to about 3,600 staff who are working remotely.
In addition to its digital platform, PNB made financial services accessible to customers as roving vehicles with automated teller machines (ATMs) or “Bank On Wheels” made rounds in areas where ATMs were limited.
PNB also launched numerous initiatives to assist individuals severely affected by the ECQ such as PNBigay Tulong, an employee-giving campaign benefiting outsourced personnel who were temporarily not allowed to go to work because of the lockdown.
Since 2009, only two banks have won the “Best Managed” category in the Philippines, while five leaders have bagged the “Best CEO” award since 2005.