EXCLUSIVE: Asialink Finance President and COO – Eillen Mangubat

Asialink Finance Corporation, a premier loan financing company in the Philippines, has always been committed to provide quality and reliable financial solutions while maintaining the highest standards of the security of its online operations.

Here’s our exclusive interview with Eillen Mangubat, Asialink’s President and COO.

Eillen Mangubat has been the driving force behind the success of Asialink in helping Filipinos and businesses for years. Guided by their commitment to foster entrepreneurship and contribute to the economic growth of the country, she is continuously leading the financing company in providing quality solutions to MSMEs and observing the best practices for data protection and cybersecurity.

She also led the recent annual event of Philippine Finance Association (PFA) that reminded the importance of strong cybersecurity in the financial sector.

Understanding the motivations behind leadership choices can provide insights into the personal and professional experiences that shape effective leaders. What motivated you to pursue a leadership role in the finance industry, and how did your journey begin?

E: My path to leadership in finance came from unexpected beginnings. Initially, I dreamed of becoming a medical representative, but the limited opportunities in my hometown led me to pivot toward banking. This shift opened my eyes to the transformative power of finance and sparked my passion for the industry.

What drives me today is the mission to provide financial solutions, particularly to underserved sectors like MSMEs, whose growth fuels economic development. Helping these businesses thrive keeps me motivated to lead Asialink toward greater impact and sustainable success.

Pivotal moments often serve as catalysts for growth, influencing how leaders approach challenges and opportunities. Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your leadership style?

E: One of the most defining moments in my career was when I assumed the role of President and COO of Asialink Finance Corporation. The company was going through a period of restructuring, and my task was to ensure we hit key performance indicators while staying aligned with our core values. I realized that leading effectively meant mastering the art of strategic delegation and fostering open communication.

Building trust within my leadership team was critical—we needed to run daily operations seamlessly while securing support from our partner banks and creditors to drive growth. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, alignment, and empowering others, which now form the foundation of my leadership style.

The finance sector has historically been male-dominated, making women’s leadership experiences particularly significant in driving change. What challenges have you faced as a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, and how have you overcome them?

E: Before becoming President, I encountered skepticism and criticism based on my gender. However, I embraced these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate my competence. I focused on delivering measurable results and led with confidence and determination.

The keys to overcoming these barriers were maintaining a positive attitude, committing to continuous learning, and staying resilient in the face of setbacks. Earning the trust and respect of my colleagues didn’t happen overnight, but by consistently showing that hard work and capability transcend gender, I was able to establish my leadership and gain recognition in the industry.

Effective leadership principles are crucial for guiding organizations through complex financial landscapes and fostering team cohesion. How do you define effective leadership, and what principles guide your decision-making at Asialink?

E: To me, effective leadership is about creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. At Asialink, I believe that a leader’s success stems from five key principles: attitude, passion, perseverance, continuous learning, and mindfulness.

• Attitude shapes how we approach challenges and opportunities. A positive mindset not only drives solutions but also inspires others to stay resilient.
• Passion fuels my commitment to engage wholeheartedly with every project, encouraging my team to do the same.
• Perseverance reminds us that setbacks are part of the journey, and our determination to push forward leads to meaningful growth.
• Continuous learning ensures that we remain open to new ideas and adaptable to change, positioning us to benefit from emerging opportunities.
• Mindfulness helps me stay present and connected with my team, enabling me to actively listen and understand their needs.

In every decision I make, I aim to embody these principles. It’s not just about meeting organizational goals but fostering the well-being and development of my team, ensuring we grow and succeed together.

A culture of innovation is essential for staying competitive in the rapidly evolving financial services industry. In what ways do you cultivate a culture of innovation within Asialink Finance Corporation?

E: At Asialink, fostering innovation starts with empowering people to think creatively and act boldly. I encourage open communication across all levels, providing platforms where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, no matter how big or small. We’ve cultivated a safe environment where it’s okay to experiment—and even fail—because each failure is a chance to learn and grow.

We invest heavily in continuous learning through internal training, seminars, and inviting industry experts to bring fresh perspectives. Collaboration between teams is also critical, as we believe the best ideas often emerge when people with diverse skills work together.

To support innovation, we equip our teams with the tools and technologies they need to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Ultimately, by celebrating creativity and recognizing contributions, we embed innovation not just as a goal, but as a mindset that drives our daily operations.

Robust cybersecurity policies are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information in the finance sector. What specific cybersecurity policies have you implemented to protect customer data at Asialink?

E: At Asialink Finance Corporation, safeguarding sensitive customer information is a top priority. We’ve implemented a comprehensive set of cybersecurity policies designed to protect data from internal and external threats:

• Data Encryption: All sensitive customer data is encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the highest level of protection against data breaches.
• Access Control: We apply strict access control policies, limiting data access only to authorized personnel based on their roles and responsibilities. This helps minimize the risk of data exposure and misuse.
• Data Backup: Regular backups are performed to ensure critical information is securely stored and can be recovered quickly in case of system failures, cyberattacks, or unforeseen incidents.
• Network Security: We use advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor and safeguard our network from malicious activities. This ensures our systems remain secure against evolving cyber threats.
• Data Classification: Customer data is classified according to its sensitivity and handled accordingly, ensuring high-risk information receives the strictest security measures. This approach ensures we prioritize the most critical data in our cybersecurity framework.
• Security Awareness Training: We conduct regular security awareness programs for employees, focusing on best practices for data protection, phishing prevention, and incident response. A well-informed workforce is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture.

These cybersecurity measures are continuously evaluated and updated to keep pace with evolving threats in the financial sector. By embedding these policies into our operations, we ensure that customer data remains secure and protected, fostering trust and confidence in our financial services.

Risk assessment is foundational for developing effective cybersecurity strategies that protect against evolving threats. How does Asialink assess its cybersecurity risks, and what measures are in place to mitigate them?

E: Assessing cybersecurity risks is critical to safeguarding our systems, data, and client information. At Asialink, we conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities across our network, systems, and endpoints. Once risks are identified, we prioritize them based on their potential impact to ensure that high-priority threats are addressed immediately. Continuous monitoring of our systems allows us to detect anomalies early, minimizing potential disruptions.

To mitigate risks, we employ a multi-layered security strategy that includes network and endpoint protection tools, data encryption, and access control policies. We also focus on strengthening policies, training programs, and incident response protocols, ensuring our framework evolves with emerging threats. This proactive approach allows us to stay ahead of cyber risks and maintain trust with our clients.

Continuous training ensures that employees are equipped to recognize and respond to potential cyber threats effectively. What training programs does Asialink offer employees to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity practices?

E: We believe that human error is one of the biggest risks to cybersecurity, which is why continuous education is a core part of our security strategy. All employees undergo Information Security Awareness training during onboarding, ensuring they understand Asialink’s data protection standards from day one.

To maintain awareness, we offer regular training on emerging threats and provide interactive modules such as:

• Phishing Awareness Training to help employees recognize and avoid fraudulent emails.
• Data Handling and Privacy Practices to ensure sensitive information is managed securely.
• Safe Internet and Device Usage Programs to promote responsible use of technology and protect against malware.

Through these targeted programs, our employees are well-prepared to act as the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Adherence to regulations is vital for maintaining operational integrity and customer confidence in financial institutions. How does Asialink ensure compliance with local and international cybersecurity regulations?

E: Compliance with regulatory frameworks is essential to maintaining operational integrity and customer trust. Asialink follows local and international cybersecurity standards, conducting risk-based assessments to identify gaps and address high-priority issues. We also conduct internal and external audits to verify that our systems meet all compliance requirements.

In addition, penetration testing is regularly performed to evaluate the strength of our defenses and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations. By staying ahead of evolving regulations, Asialink guarantees that our cybersecurity framework remains robust and compliant with best practices.

Technology advancements can significantly bolster security measures, making them more effective against cyber threats. What role does technology play in enhancing Asialink’s cybersecurity framework?

E: Technology plays a critical role in securing our infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats. Asialink invests in advanced data protection software to safeguard sensitive client information. We also utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) and firewalls to monitor our network for suspicious activity, ensuring real-time responses to potential threats.

Additionally, our encryption tools protect data both in transit and at rest, while automated processes streamline threat detection and incident response. These technological advancements enhance our ability to stay proactive and resilient in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Real-world examples illustrate the effectiveness of policies and practices in mitigating risks associated with cyber incidents. Can you share an example of a cybersecurity incident that Asialink successfully managed?

E: While we cannot disclose specific incidents, we can share a simulated scenario that demonstrates our preparedness. During a phishing simulation exercise, employees identified suspicious emails and escalated them according to our incident response plan. The IT team promptly analyzed the threat, contained the potential risk, and implemented remediation measures to prevent recurrence.

This exercise highlighted the effectiveness of our training programs and monitoring systems, reinforcing our ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats quickly. It also emphasized the importance of ongoing education and vigilance within the organization.

Regular assessments help identify weaknesses in security protocols, allowing organizations to make timely improvements. How often does Asialink conduct audits or assessments of its cybersecurity policies and practices?

E: At Asialink, we take a rigorous approach to audits and assessments. Our Internal IT Audit Team conducts regular, comprehensive reviews of our systems, protocols, and processes to identify potential risks. These internal audits are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and security.

Additionally, we undergo external audits twice a year, performed by independent third-party auditors. These external audits offer an unbiased evaluation of our IT infrastructure, data protection practices, and compliance with industry standards. The combination of internal and external audits ensures that Asialink’s cybersecurity framework remains robust, aligned with best practices, and capable of safeguarding both company and client data.

Proactive adaptation ensures that organizations remain resilient against emerging threats associated with new technologies. How does Asialink plan to adapt its cybersecurity policies in response to future technological advancements?

E: As technology evolves, so must our approach to cybersecurity. In addition to regular audits and continuous monitoring, we proactively adapt by investing in emerging technologies that enhance our security framework. We prioritize employee training and awareness programs to keep staff informed about the latest threats and best practices.

Our cybersecurity strategy also emphasizes collaboration with industry experts and leveraging new tools that streamline processes, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for predictive threat detection. By staying agile and forward-thinking, we ensure that Asialink remains resilient against future risks and continues to protect our clients’ data with the highest standards.