The pipeline of future finance leaders in the Philippines is getting a structured boost, as industry groups and global institutions continue to invest in programs that blend academic rigor with real-world exposure.
The FINEX Research and Development Foundation, Inc., through its Junior FINEX Committee, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co., is strengthening its talent development efforts via two flagship initiatives: the Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC) and the Junior Finance Executive Summit (JFINEX Summit).
Now in its 25th year, the ICFC remains the longest-running finance competition in the country, bringing together students from more than 100 universities nationwide in a test of technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and ethical grounding.
This year’s edition was conducted through a web-based platform developed with technology partner NOAH Business Applications, enabling simultaneous nationwide participation and faster execution.
Industry leaders highlight ethics, rising regional finance talent
The JFINEX Summit featured prominent industry leaders, including EJ Qua Hiansen (SVP and CFO of PHINMA Corporation), John B. Balce (Senior Managing Director of FTI Consulting Philippines), and Joweeh B. Liao (Finance Director of Watsons Personal Care Store).
During the media Q&A, Balce emphasized that the competition’s primary goal is to elevate the quality of local finance education. He noted that while technology evolves, the core focus on ethics and integrity remains constant. “I think what doesn’t evolve — and this is one of the key focus areas for this year — is ethics. Our ethics and our integrity, our character, that doesn’t evolve.”
Balce, who served as ICFC Chairman for the 2024 competition, highlighted an increasing trend of schools outside Metro Manila performing better, noting that while Manila giants like DLSU and Ateneo often dominate, schools like UP Visayas and the University of San Carlos have also secured championships.
“We want stronger applicants as well. The more we can improve the quality, the more the finance profession benefits,” he said.
Finance competition blends technical mastery with ethics training
Photo shows (L-R) Sub-Com Chair, JFINEX Summit, Darwin Saribay; FINEX Foundation, Liaison Trustee Edith Dychiao; Overall Chair of the Junior FINEX Committee and Finance Director of Watsons Philippines Joweehlyn Liao; Keynote Speaker Eugene Dela Cruz; CFO of JPMorgan Chase & Co. N.A. – Philippine Global Service Center, Archiebald Marchan; and FINEX Foundation Chairman, Edmund Alan Qua Hiansen
The competition drew on a question bank aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 and Certified Management Accountant curricula, covering core areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial accounting and reporting, and portfolio management.
Beyond technical proficiency, organizers also integrated an ethics component, reinforcing the importance of integrity alongside competence.
“This shows the level of finance talent nationwide, but more importantly, it highlights the value of preparation — what students learn through the process and the confidence they develop,” said Edmund Alan Qua Hiansen, Chairman of the FINEX Foundation.
De La Salle University emerged as champion, followed by the University of the Philippines–Diliman as first runner-up and the University of the Philippines Visayas–Iloilo as second runner-up.
To complement the competition, the top 13 finalist schools were invited to participate in the JFINEX Summit, a learning and networking platform designed to connect students with industry practitioners.
The summit featured mentorship sessions, panel discussions, and exposure activities, including a visit to the Philippine Stock Exchange and a “Stock Market 101” session led by industry professionals.
Industry leaders stress adaptability, leadership in evolving finance landscape
Participants of 2nd JFINEX Summit
Speakers emphasized that finance careers today demand more than technical skills, pointing to the growing importance of adaptability, communication, and leadership in a rapidly evolving financial landscape shaped by digital transformation and market volatility.
FINEX President Carlo Enrico Lazatin described the initiative as part of a broader mission to develop finance professionals who can contribute to national growth. Keynote speaker Eugene Dela Cruz of Kearney encouraged students to pursue excellence with purpose, underscoring that long-term success is built not only on capability but also on character.
A panel discussion featuring senior executives from across the financial and consulting sectors further reinforced lessons on resilience, career development, and leadership, offering students firsthand perspectives from industry leaders.
For FINEX and JPMorgan Chase, the programs reflect a sustained commitment to bridging classroom learning with industry realities — equipping the next generation of finance professionals with both the technical foundation and the ethical compass needed in today’s complex financial environment.
As participation grows and digital platforms expand access, initiatives like ICFC and JFINEX continue to play a key role in shaping a more prepared, connected, and future-ready finance talent pool in the Philippines.
