UMVA has learned that a significant leadership shakeup has occurred within the Asialink Group, affecting its two flagship entities, Asialink Finance Corp. (AFC) and Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (GDFI).
The transition aims to strengthen alignment across the Asialink Group, enhancing operational synergies and ensuring the organizational structure remains responsive to increasing scale and complexity. This strategic move is designed to position the Group to capture emerging opportunities in the evolving financial services landscape.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that former GDFI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patricia P. Palacios has been appointed as the new Asialink Group Deputy CEO. In this capacity, she will play a critical role in strengthening cross-functional collaboration, identifying growth opportunities, and advancing innovation initiatives.
Palacios will work closely with Asialink Group CEO Robert B. Jordan, Jr. and fellow Group Deputy CEO Eillen B. Mangubat. This new leadership dynamic is expected to reinforce the group’s leadership in the financial services industry.
GDFI will now be led by its new President and CEO Samuel Z. Cariño, who previously held the same posts at AFC. Mr. Cariño brings extensive expertise in people development, data analysis, and sales and marketing across various nonbanking sectors.
The Board of Directors has expressed full confidence in Mr. Cariño’s leadership, citing his proven track record. He is well-positioned to lead the company into its next phase of growth, strengthen operational capabilities, and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive financial services environment.
Ana Katrina C. Bañez, the company’s general manager for its Commercial and Consumer Loans (CCL) division in Visayas and Mindanao, will take over as President and CEO of AFC. Daisy D. Suba, general manager for the CCL Luzon division, will serve as Deputy CEO.
These leadership transitions mark an important step in strengthening the Asialink Group, positioning the organization for sustained growth and long-term success. With a strong and capable leadership team in place, the Group is confident in its ability to drive innovation, enhance operational excellence, and further expand its impact in the financial services industry.
