Asialink executive takes key role in Philippine lending group

Insider Spotlight

• Leadership: Patricia Poco-Palacios joins PFLA’s board of trustees
• Mandate: She will head the association’s Ways and Means Committee
• Growth: Asialink reported P50.2 billion in AUM at end-June
  
  
  
  

Asialink Group of Companies group deputy CEO Patricia Poco-Palacios has been appointed to the Philippine Finance and Lending Association’s board of trustees, taking charge of its Ways and Means Committee for the 2026–2027 term.

The appointment gives the veteran financial services executive an industry leadership role as PFLA works to advance financial inclusion, responsible credit access and broader economic growth.

Why it matters

Poco-Palacios brings more than 20 years of financial services experience to the association. She became Asialink Group deputy CEO in June as the conglomerate moved to strengthen strategic coordination and operational execution across its businesses, according to a company release.

Asialink operates primarily through Asialink Finance Corporation, Global Dominion Financing Inc. and South Asialink Finance Corp. Its businesses provide MSME financing, collateral-backed loans and vehicle financing, with a focus on unbanked, underbanked and underserved Filipinos.

By the numbers

The group reported a record P50.2 billion in assets under management as of end-June 2026, with growth driven by its expanding MSME portfolio.

“I consider it a privilege to be elected by my respected peers to be part of the Philippine Finance and Lending Association’s Board of Trustees and helming its Ways and Means Committee. At a time when macroeconomic pressures are changing Filipinos’ approach to financing, it is imperative for the industry to lead with transparency, integrity, and innovation while leveraging best practices to ensure organizational and sector resilience,” Poco-Palacios said.

The bigger picture

Founded in 1962 as the Philippine Finance Association, PFLA represents financing, leasing and lending companies in the Philippines and promotes responsible financing practices across the sector.

For more than six decades, the organization has provided a platform for industry collaboration, professional development, representation and policy engagement.

What to watch

Poco-Palacios’ leadership of the Ways and Means Committee comes as financing companies navigate changing borrower behavior and broader macroeconomic pressures while seeking to expand responsible access to credit.

Her appointment also strengthens Asialink’s representation in an industry organization involved in policy engagement and financing-sector development.  —Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma