by Alexis Tuble, Correspondent
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) begins a new era in leadership and innovation as Reginaldo “Reggie” Cariaso formally assumes the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. His appointment follows the retirement of Eugene Acevedo on July 1, after six transformative years at the helm.
Acevedo, who is widely credited for steering RCBC through a period of rapid digital acceleration, will remain on the bank’s board of directors — a move that underscores RCBC’s resolve to sustain the momentum of its digital-first strategy.
Cariaso’s promotion was anything but abrupt. Since joining RCBC’s top management in January as Deputy CEO, he has already played a central role in shaping the bank’s operational direction. He concurrently led the Operations Group, spearheading enterprise-wide initiatives that improved efficiency and elevated customer service.
Bold vision for a digital future
Reggie Cariaso, President and Chief Executive Officer of RCBC
Cariaso brings to the table over two decades of experience in banking and operations, and he is poised to continue RCBC’s shift toward digital transformation with renewed intensity. “Our focus is clear. We will build more seamless connections to deliver relevant, timely, and intuitive financial solutions,” Cariaso said.
He emphasized that RCBC’s goal is to move beyond traditional banking offerings — like deposits and loans — and create a more integrated and personalized digital experience. The future, according to Cariaso, lies in payments, platforms, and partnerships that create long-term value and enable better financial outcomes for customers.
RCBC plans to deepen its investment in data analytics, enterprise-wide integration, and digital platforms to better anticipate client needs and strengthen customer engagement. Cariaso sees this technological evolution not only as a strategic advantage but as the next benchmark for service innovation and inclusive finance.
RCBC’s growth momentum and financial strength
His leadership begins at a time when RCBC is already demonstrating strong performance. In the first quarter of 2025, the bank posted a net income of ₱2.43 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from the same period last year.
This growth was largely powered by the bank’s core businesses, especially consumer lending, which saw a 39% year-on-year increase. That, in turn, contributed to a 29% rise in net interest income — proof of RCBC’s ability to generate solid results from its core strategies.
RCBC’s profitability underscores the success of its digital expansion, aggressive customer acquisition, and product diversification over the past few years. Under Cariaso’s watch, the bank is expected to double down on these priorities while exploring new channels to broaden financial inclusion.
A CEO for a changing banking landscape
Cariaso’s appointment couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. The Philippine banking sector is undergoing fast-paced change, driven by digital disruption, shifting consumer expectations, and heightened competition from fintech players.
RCBC, which has been at the forefront of digital banking innovation, now stands to benefit from Cariaso’s operational expertise and forward-thinking mindset. His leadership will focus on data-driven decision-making, tech-powered services, and customer-centric innovation, ensuring the bank remains agile in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
His challenge? To sustain the bank’s strong financial trajectory while pushing the boundaries of what banking can look like in a digital-first Philippines. “We’re not just building services — we’re building ecosystems that deliver meaningful, measurable value to our customers,” Cariaso noted.
With a proven track record, a clear strategic direction, and continued support from Acevedo and the board, Reggie Cariaso is well-positioned to steer RCBC into its next growth chapter — one rooted in trust, innovation, and smarter banking for all.
