Insider Spotlight
The launch was attended by distinguished leaders from the Philippines and Singapore, including Ambassador Medardo Macaraig, Phua Wee Ling of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and BPI leadership led by chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and president and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco.
“As the first bank in the Philippines and the oldest in Southeast Asia, BPI’s nearly 175 years of history have been built on trust and stewardship,” said Limcaoco. “This new office is a bridge—connecting the Philippines and Singapore, our clients to global markets, and our heritage to the future."
Why it matters
The Singapore launch comes as next-generation wealth conversations increasingly happen in regional hubs. Zobel de Ayala emphasized, “To serve our clients well, and to serve them for generations, we must be present in this ecosystem."
More than a financial expansion, the office underscores BPI’s philosophy that true wealth is about legacy. The 1851 Wealth space was designed with Filipino heritage details—timber balustrades, waling-waling motifs, and artworks by Fernando Zóbel, Arturo Luz, and Pacita Abad—to foster intimate, meaningful wealth dialogues.
Between the lines
For Maria Theresa Marcial, BPI Wealth president and CEO, this cultural dimension is key.
“True wealth carries history and meaning. Our art collection is part of that story, reminding us that what we preserve and pass on goes beyond capital,” she said.
The big picture
As BPI nears its 175th anniversary in 2026, BPI Wealth Singapore symbolizes growth anchored in heritage, bridging Filipino clients to global opportunities while honoring the values that have guided the bank for generations. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
