Asialink revamps leadership structure

MANILA, Philippines — The Asialink Group of Companies has unveiled a significant leadership reshuffle as it prepares to strengthen its core lending businesses and tap into new opportunities catering to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 2025.

“Team Asialink is clear eyed on our growth path and knows that the market, which is still largely untapped, offers opportunities for our taking,” Robert Jordan Jr., group CEO and Asialink co-founder, said in a statement.

“With the funding support we have been getting from major institutions, we are poised for significant growth in 2025,” Jordan said.

Eillen “Apples” Mangubat, who served as president and COO of Asialink Finance Corp. (AFC) for 18 years, will transition to the role of deputy CEO of the Asialink Group.

Taking over her role at AFC are Samuel Cariño, previously deputy COO of sales at Global Dominion, and Eleanor Yap, currently executive vice president of Global SME under the Asialink umbrella, as the new president and COO, respectively.

Meanwhile, Kevin John Cabanban, formerly AFC’s deputy COO, will assume the presidency of South Asialink Finance Corp (SAFC).

He succeeds Joel Cruz, who has retired. Supporting Cabanban is Ahzin Cabrera, who will step in as SAFC COO.

“These leadership transitions mark an important moment for the Asialink Group as we position ourselves for continued growth and innovation. Mangubat shepherded the group to where it is now and will continue to provide insight and guidance in her new role,” Jordan said.

Ruben Lugtu II, AFC chairman also expressed confidence in the new leadership team.

“We expect fresh perspectives and expertise from Cariño, Cabanban, and Cabrera. With this new team in place, the group is in for a steep growth trajectory. These are exciting times for us”, he said.

The Asialink Group is setting its sights on meeting the vast unmet demand for SME loans.

Jordan said there is immense potential in this segment, noting that 99 percent of the 1.2 million businesses in the Philippines are SMEs, but Asialink currently caters to only 200,000 of them.

Asialink’s revitalized management and robust funding support are expected to fuel its exponential growth in the coming years, solidifying its position as a key player in SME lending.