The next generation of Filipino finance leaders will gather in Makati this April as the National Finance Summit 2026 brings together students, economists, regulators, and industry professionals for a full day of discussions on the future of finance.
The summit, organized by the Junior Confederation of Finance Associations – Philippines, will take place on April 25, 2026 at One Ayala, with simultaneous livestream access via Zoom.
Organizers expect around 1,500 participants, composed of finance and business students, industry professionals, and institutional partners from universities nationwide.
The event also coincides with a milestone for JCFAP, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Since its founding, the organization has grown into the national federation of finance student organizations, representing more than 170 schools and approximately 16,000 students across the Philippines.
Preparing the Next Generation of Finance Professionals
The theme of this year’s summit is “The Digital Tomorrow: Strengthening Finance for the Next Generation.”
Discussions will focus on how digital transformation is reshaping financial systems and how future finance professionals must adapt to an environment increasingly influenced by technology, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
The summit aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice by giving students direct exposure to professionals working at the forefront of the financial sector.
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and leadership talks, participants will gain insights into emerging financial trends, regulatory developments, and career opportunities in the rapidly evolving finance industry.
Keynote Address on Leadership and Legacy
The summit’s keynote address, titled “Carrying the Torch and Passing the Legacy of 20 Years Forward,” will reflect on the growth and evolution of JCFAP over the past two decades.
The keynote will be delivered by Antonilo DC Mauricio, founding adviser of JCFAP and a long-time leader in technology and innovation.
Mauricio currently serves as chairman and founder of InnovationPH and is a co-founder and trustee of the Global AI Council Philippines. He previously served as Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and as general manager of the National Development Company, where he played key roles in promoting national competitiveness and technology-driven development.
Discussions on Regulation, Sustainability, and Innovation
One of the summit’s panel discussions will focus on regulatory evolution in financial markets, exploring how policymakers, financial institutions, and fintech innovators can balance innovation with financial stability.
The panel will feature Mike Ricafort, one of the country’s most widely recognized economists and a frequent commentator on Philippine economic trends.
Ricafort has been recognized by the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines as Best Fixed Income Strategist for five consecutive years, and the Department of Finance has cited him as among the country’s most accurate forecasters of GDP growth and inflation.
Another panel will examine the growing importance of sustainable investing and green finance in global capital markets.
Panelists include Rey Chelin Castro, who works closely with regulators and financial institutions across ASEAN on ESG adoption and sustainability reporting.
Also joining the discussion is Nikki Lizares, who leads Security Bank’s sustainability initiatives and advocates responsible banking practices aligned with climate and social impact goals.
Leadership and Resilience in a Changing Economy
The summit will also feature an inspirational session titled “Leading Through Change and Building Resilience in Today’s Business Landscape.”
The talk will be delivered by Maria Victoria Betita, a veteran finance and strategy executive with more than three decades of experience.
Betita previously served as chief financial officer and chief strategy officer in several organizations and played key roles in corporate transformation initiatives, including guiding an IPO and leading one of the fastest ERP implementations in the Philippines.
Today, she leads her own advisory practice focused on leadership development, strategy, and organizational transformation.
A Platform for Future Finance Leaders
For many students, the National Finance Summit serves as a rare opportunity to engage directly with leaders shaping the Philippine financial ecosystem.
By bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and young professionals, the event aims to inspire the next generation of finance leaders while equipping them with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape.
As JCFAP marks its 20th year, the summit highlights how collaboration between academia and industry can help prepare Filipino students for the future of finance.
