February 2026

SGV Assurance Partner and SGV Academy Leader Allan W. Ocho delivered a key technical session on “Artificial Intelligences: What to Teach Future CPAs” at the 2026 Education Summit organized by the PICPA Metro Manila Geographical Area Office (GAO), together with the PICPA Metro Manila Region. Held at National University Manila on 28 February 2026 with the theme “Accounting Educators: Teaching with Impact,” the summit brought together educators and professionals committed to strengthening the future of accounting education.The discussions at the summit emphasized the growing responsibility of educators to develop not only strong technical skills, but also critical thinking, ethical judgment, and digital agility among accounting students.In his session, Allan shared how AI is now embedded in audit, reporting, risk management, and decision support processes. He emphasized the need to teach students how to evaluate, validate, and responsibly apply AI generated outputs - grounded in data literacy, professional skepticism, ethical use, and cybersecurity awareness.The session supported SGV’s purpose of nurturing leaders and enabling business for a better Philippines, and reflected the mission of the SGV Academy to help bridge the gap between academe and practice, ensuring that future CPAs are ready for an AI-enabled profession.

SGV Financial Services Senior Director Ruben D. Simon, Jr. served as one of the resource speakers at the Compliance Officers and Internal Auditors (COIA) of Rural Banks 4th Annual Convention, organized by the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP). The convention was held at Novotel, Quezon City on 24 to 25 February 2026, gathering 473 delegates from 204 rural and cooperative banks nationwide under the theme “Resilient, Responsible, Ready: The Evolving Role of Compliance and Audit.”During the session, Ruben shared insights from the Fintech for Inclusion Transformation (FIT) Program Phase II, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which provided capacity-building technical assistance to 10 rural banks nationwide.He emphasized that as rural banks modernize key operational areas such as customer onboarding, credit assessments, and mobile banking, compliance with regulatory requirements, including Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), data privacy, and data governance, should be viewed as an enabler rather than a roadblock. Strong compliance practices help strengthen trust and protect both banks and their clients.He also highlighted the important role of compliance officers in translating regulatory developments into strategic inputs, particularly in organizations with lean structures. In addition, he encouraged a shift in how rural banks are perceived, noting that they should be seen not as the “last-mile” option but as the first touchpoint for communities and their introduction to formal banking services.SGV’s continued participation in RBAP initiatives and collaboration with the rural banking industry, regulators, and development partners is in line with its commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Ruben was joined at the event by SGV Financial Services and Ecosystems and Knowledge Leader Christian G. Lauron and Financial Services Risk Management Senior Director Russel N. Ailes.

On 23 February 2026, SGV Technology Consulting Principal Lee Carlo Abadia was formally inducted as trustee and corporate secretary of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP).During the event, Lee outlined his strategic vision for the association and shared how SGV supports clients and industries in advancing Data and AI capabilities. He emphasized that as a services-centric nation, the Philippines must take a proactive approach to AI, noting its significant impact on the workforce and business landscape.He highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among industry, government, and the academe, as well as embedding AI in education and enhancing technical skills to enable meaningful upskilling. Lee also stressed the need for clear regulations and practical guardrails for responsible AI, with AAP working alongside key stakeholders to help shape and implement these measures.During the event, participants received a presentation on the Philippines AI Report 2025, which outlined the nation’s AI landscape and emerging opportunities. AAP also highlighted its ongoing initiatives across industry, enterprises, education, practitioners, and the public sector.Joining Lee were SGV Business Consulting Senior Manager Mark Andrew Chiu and Manager Ephraim Joseph “Edge” Marollano.

SGV Strategy and Transactions Senior Associate John Renz C. Oliveros successfully passed the Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM) examination in October 2025.The Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM) accreditation, offered by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), is a rigorous, proctored four-hour online examination that signifies a candidate’s ability to solve complex financial modeling challenges. It is available exclusively to Advanced Financial Modeling (AFM) accreditation holders who pass the CFM examination.Congratulations, John Renz! We are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement with you.

On 20 February 2026, SGV Assurance Standards Group (ASG) and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) teams participated in a strategic session with EY Global Corporate Reporting Leader Michiel van der Lof as part of the Firm’s continued efforts to strengthen technical excellence and global alignment. The session opened with SGV Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia providing an overview of the SGV Assurance practice. This was followed by an introduction of the Assurance Standards Group, delivered by SGV Assurance Partner Roel E. Lucas. Michiel van der Lof led a dynamic roundtable discussion focused on how the EY Global Corporate Reporting team can further support SGV’s Financial Services (FS) and CCaSS teams. The discussion centered on enhancing capacity-building initiatives, expanding access to relevant learning materials, and strengthening collaboration to address evolving corporate reporting and sustainability requirements. The session reinforced SGV’s commitment to continuous improvement and to equipping its professionals with the tools, knowledge, and global insights needed to deliver high-quality assurance and sustainability services.

SGV participated in the ISSB Reporting Practitioners’ Forum held on 20 February 2026 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters, convening regulators, standard-setters, and industry leaders to advance high-quality sustainability disclosures aligned with ISSB Standards.Organized by the SEC with support from the Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) and UNDP Philippines, the forum featured training sessions led by IFRS Foundation Corporate Outreach Director Neil Stewart and EY’s Global Corporate Reporting Services Leader Michiel van der Lof, followed by a panel discussion on practical insights and implementation challenges which was moderated by EY Asia-Pacific Public Policy Leader Julia Tay.SGV Sustainability Leader and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte participated as a panelist and led the launch of a capacity-building initiative supporting alignment with ISSB Standards.Also in attendance were SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, SGV Partner and Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC) Chairman Wilson P. Tan, Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia, Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina F. Francisco, Chief Risk Officer Lucy L. Chan, Financial Services Leader and Ecosystem and Knowledge Head Christian G. Lauron, and Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto.

SGV Partner and Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC) Chairman Wilson P. Tan and SGV Sustainability Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte led a roundtable discussion organized by the PSRC and the FSRSC on 20 February 2026, to advance capacity-building efforts supporting the adoption of standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).The event brought together regulators, standard-setters, accounting firms, and other key stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening the readiness of Philippine listed companies (PLCs) and large non-listed entities (LNLs) in implementing ISSB-aligned sustainability reporting.The roundtable featured insights from global leaders, including IFRS Foundation Director of Corporate Outreach Neil Stewart, EY Global Corporate Reporting Services Leader Michiel van der Lof, and EY Asia-Pacific Public Policy Leader Julia Tay.The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated capacity-building initiatives, robust governance oversight, and practical implementation pathways to support the Philippines’ continued progress toward high-quality sustainability reporting.

SGV welcomed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation Corporate Outreach Director Neil Stewart, together with EY Global Corporate Reporting Leader Michiel van der Lof and EY Asia-Pacific Public Policy Leader Julia Tay, on 19 February 2026, following a full day of scheduled sustainability reporting meetings in Metro Manila.To mark the visit, SGV hosted a special dinner attended by Firm leaders and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partners. Prior to the dinner, the guests were given a guided tour of the SGV Museum, where they explored the Firm’s rich history and legacy.The evening featured meaningful exchanges on global sustainability reporting developments, insights on emerging practices, and a shared appreciation of Filipino culture over dinner.The visit reinforced SGV’s appreciation of global reporting standards as the Firm continues to support the advancement of sustainability reporting in the region and in the Philippines

Audit Group 6 held back-to-back celebrations for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day on 12 and 13 February 2026, bringing together Partners and staff in a series of vibrant and purpose-driven activities.To welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, the group held a hopia feast that set a festive tone for the Lunar New Year celebration. The following day, AG6 shifted to a love-themed atmosphere for Valentine’s Day, highlighting connection, appreciation, and giving.AG6 continued its Give to Love initiative, now on its fourth year, encouraging staff to donate a minimum of Php20 in exchange for chocolates. Proceeds from the activity will support the SGV SAVE initiatives, reinforcing the group’s commitment to community impact.Adding to the celebratory mood, AG6 singers serenaded partners and staff during the Hearts in Jam session, sharing musical performances that helped create a warm and engaging environment for everyone.The two-day celebration reflected AG6’s spirit of camaraderie and service, making the occasion both festive and meaningful for the SGV community.

SGV welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse with a vibrant Lion Dance performance across its offices in Makati on 12 February 2026. Organized by the SGV Chinese Overseas Investment Network (COIN) and the Talent team, the performance filled the workplace with festive energy and conveyed well wishes of good fortune and success for the year ahead.Through this tradition, the Firm extends wishes of prosperity, harmony, and abundance to its people and community.