UnionBank Top RMs Rise Together in ASCEND Masterclass Powered by INSEAD
By: Neil Patrick G. Nepomuceno
From September 8 to 9, 2025, UnionBank, in partnership with INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, hosted a transformative two-day Wealth Management Masterclass at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. This exclusive learning experience is part of UnionBank’s multi-year strategic initiative to redefine the future of wealth management in the Philippines.
UnionBank President and Chief Executive Officer Ana Aboitiz Delgado opened the masterclass with a compelling message on purpose-driven leadership and innovation. She was joined by Manoj Varma, Consumer Banking Head, who shared powerful insights on customer obsession and the evolving role of financial advisors in today’s dynamic landscape.
Other UnionBank Executives were also present, including UnionBank Executives were also present, including UnionBank, Chief Human Resource Officer, Michelle Rubio, Wealth Management Business Head, Gauraw Srivastava, Private Banking Head, Arlene Agustin, Wealth and Brokerage Head, Therese Chan, Relationship Banking Center Head, Pearlie Lontoc, Institutional Banking Head, Mimi Concha, Commercial Banking Center Head, Raquel Sevidal, Corporate Banking Head, Nino Fajardo, and UFSI President and CEO, Ramon Tejero.
The ASCEND Masterclass was facilitated by Naveen Gondhi from INSEAD Singapore, bringing global expertise and cutting-edge strategies to UnionBank’s top-performing Relationship Managers (RMs). These RMs, representing the Wealth and Brokerage Group, Private Banking Group, Relationship Banking Center, Corporate Banking Group, Commercial Banking Group, and UnionBank Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage, Inc. (UFSI), were handpicked for their unmatched capability in helping clients achieve financial success while driving exceptional results for the Bank.
The first day of the ASCEND Masterclass set the tone for a transformative learning experience. Naveen, guided participants on understanding the long-term aspirations of clients and aligning strategies to help them succeed.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the human side of wealth management. Naveen explored the psychology behind client decisions, shedding light on spending habits, investment behaviors, and the emotional triggers that influence financial choices.
This session echoed UBP’s core value, Ubuntu as it reinforced the importance of empathy and insight in building lasting partnerships and uplifting lives through purposeful financial guidance.
The ASCEND Masterclass is more than just training—it’s a celebration of excellence, collaboration, and purpose. It embodies UnionBank’s core values of Magis, Ubuntu, and Integrity, as participants engaged in courageous conversations, shared best practices, and strengthened their commitment to delivering meaningful impact to clients and communities.
As the ASCEND Masterclass drew to a close, UFSI President and CEO Mon Tejero took the stage to honor the participants for their dedication and drive. In his closing message, he congratulated the attendees for accepting the opportunity to learn and grow as they courageously step into a space of transformation and continuous development.
As UnionBank continues to set the standard for NextGen banking, the next series of ASCEND sessions is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026.