Find out more about our team members below
Management Team
Khurram Gul Agha
President & CEOKhurram Gul Agha
President & CEOMr. Khurram Gul Agha was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation, effective February 16, 2026. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Transformation, Digital, and Information Officer (CTIO) at ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Ltd. from January 2025. Mr. Agha brings over 25 years of financial services experience, including more than 15 years in senior executive leadership roles, and is widely regarded as a seasoned leader in Digital Financial Services (DFS). His expertise encompasses information technology, digital banking, enterprise-wide digital transformation, business and product development, performance analytics, and strategic execution. He is also highly experienced in risk management, fraud prevention, and operational optimization, enabling the delivery of digital-first strategies, seamless customer experiences, and innovative financial products. Throughout his career, Mr. Agha has led transformational initiatives across conventional, Islamic, and microfinance banking institutions in Pakistan, consistently accelerating digital adoption and strengthening institutional performance.
Md Khalilur Rhaman
Head of OperationsMd Khalilur Rhaman
Head of OperationsMd Khalilur Rhaman was appointed Head of Operations at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation effective October 10, 2025. He graduated from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh, in 1992 and brings more than 32 years of experience in the microfinance sector. He began his career with ASA Bangladesh in 1994, serving in leadership roles including Branch Manager, Regional Manager, District Manager, and Zonal Manager. His international experience spans ASA India and Pagasa Philippines, further strengthening his expertise in inclusive financial services. From 2015 until his recent appointment, Mr. Rhaman served as Deputy Managing Director of ASA Uganda Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. Today, as Head of Operations at PPFC, he continues to drive strategic growth and promote sustainable financial solutions that empower communities.
Omar P. Pineda
Head of TechnologyOmar P. Pineda
Head of TechnologyOmar P. Pineda was appointed Head of Technology at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation (PPFC), effective May 2, 2024. He brings over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, with expertise in digitalization, cybersecurity, and compliance. Before PPFC, Mr. Pineda held leadership roles at CIBI and UCPB, served as a senior IT consultant with IBM Philippines, and spent more than a decade in Singapore with Avnet, UOB, and OCBC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) in Manila. His career spans banking, insurance, credit bureaus, and IT services, reflecting a broad and strategic perspective on technology leadership.
Ruscely A. Sanchez
Head of Human ResourcesRuscely A. Sanchez
Head of Human ResourcesRuscely A. Sanchez was appointed HR Head at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation (PPFC), effective March 17, 2025. She brings over a decade of expertise in human resource management across various industries. Before joining PPFC, she held leadership positions, including Chief People Officer at South Asialink Finance Corporation, HR Head at RGS Recovery Management and Collection Services, and HR Senior Manager at both Laus Group of Companies and AEON Credit Service (Philippines) Inc. In her current capacity, she directs the full range of HR functions, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational objectives. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Santo Tomas and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Louis University.
Atty. Dyan Marie A. Lucero
Corporate Secretary & Head of LegalAtty. Dyan Marie A. Lucero
Corporate Secretary & Head of LegalAtty. Dyan Marie A. Lucero was appointed Corporate Secretary on 18 August 2025 and Head of Legal at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation, effective February 16, 2026. She brings with her eight years of solid experience in business and corporate law, public policy development, and contract negotiation. Her expertise covers corporate governance, corporate secretarial functions, oversight of non-stock, non-profit corporations, and the regulation of microfinance NGOs under specialized Philippine legislation—a niche field in which she has established herself as a recognized authority. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Santo Tomas in 2017, the same year she successfully passed the Philippine Bar. She also graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Legal Management from the same institution. Before joining Pagasa, Atty. Lucero held key legal positions, including Chief Counsel at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Secretariat Counsel of the Microfinance NGO Regulatory Council, Contract Counsel for the London Stock Exchange Group, and Legal Counsel, Office of the Corporate Secretary of Filinvest Land, Inc.
Carolyn Q. Arceo
Head of Risk & ComplianceCarolyn Q. Arceo
Head of Risk & ComplianceMs. Carolyn Arceo was appointed Manager of Risk and Compliance on June 3, 2024, and later assumed the role of Head of Risk and Compliance at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation, effective January 1, 2026. She brings over two decades of experience in the banking and finance industry, with strong expertise in portfolio management across both commercial and consumer sectors. Her specialization includes credit review, underwriting, and risk management, making her a seasoned leader in safeguarding institutional integrity and financial soundness. Before joining Pagasa, Ms. Arceo served as Head of the Risk Management Department at a cooperative bank, where she honed her skills in developing and implementing risk frameworks. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Legal Management, from De La Salle University (DLSU).
Ma. Socorro C. Ates
Head of Corporate Affairs & Brand ManagementMa. Socorro C. Ates
Head of Corporate Affairs & Brand ManagementMs. Socorro Ates is the Head of Corporate Affairs & Brand Management at Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation (PPFC), a position she assumed on February 1, 2026. She first joined PPFC in 2012 to establish the Microinsurance Mutual Benefit Association, the company’s microinsurance arm, and later transitioned in 2018 as Deputy Manager of Sustainability. With expertise in microfinance, microinsurance, and corporate social responsibility, she has implemented inclusive financial solutions that empower underserved communities and executed sustainability strategies that balance social impact with organizational growth. She is also a strong advocate of financial literacy and ethical practices aligned with global sustainability standards.
Board of Directors
Gilda E. Pico
Gilda E. Pico
Ms. Gilda E. Pico finished her Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, at the College of Holy Spirit Manila. She gained her Masters in Business Administration from the University of the East. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Career Executive Service Officer. She has also completed the Civil Service Commission’s Executive Leadership Management Program and is an eligible Electronic Data Processing Porgrammer. Ms. Gilda has been a trailblazing leader of the Philippine banking and financing industries, serving as the Chairperson and Adviser of Land Bank’s Group of Companies, such as Land Bank Leasing Corporation, and Land Bank Resources and Development Corporation since 2005. She also served as the Executive Vice President of Land Bank of the Philippines, in the Agrarian and Domestic Banking, and Operations and Support Sectors, as well as its Management, Operations Audit, and Technology Groups and Departments since 1981. Some of Ms. Gilda’s personal achievements include the 2015 Banking CEO of the Year Asia, awarded by the International Banking Awards; 2015 Outstanding CEO Award, by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, an award recognizing chief executive officers for their leadership, vision, and achievement, particularly in development banking; Global CSR Excellence and Leadership Award given by the World Congress, a coveted award that honors outstanding business leaders in the region; 2014 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards; and 2010 CEO Excel Award, to name a few. She has been featured in the 2008 book, entitled “Modern Day Filipino Heroes: Values They Live By” and has published a book which compiled speeches from 2006 to 2011 of inspiring leaders of Land Bank who mark excellent leadership in the bank. Currently, Ms. Gilda serves as the Chairperson of Producers Savings Bank Corporation and Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation. She is an Independent Director of Philippine Bank of Communication and Pay Maya Philippines. She is also the President of GILART Holdings Corporation and the Treasurer of Marinor Development Corporation.
Ronald T. Chua
Ronald T. Chua
Prof. Ronald T. Chua finished his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Cum Laude, at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. He gained his master’s in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management or AIM. He was professor at AIM from 1987 to 2020. Prof. Ron has long served an active role in the CCT Group of Ministries as a member of the board of trustees and directors. For many years now, he has rendered his commitment as the Chairperson of the CCT Multipurpose Cooperative (CMPC) and the Treasurer of the CCT Inc. Concurrently, Prof. Ron serves as the Chairman of the CCT for Social Change and Life Transformation Federation of Credit Cooperatives (CCT-FED) and a Board Trustee of the CCT Mutual Benefit Association. “From the very beginning, Prof. Ron has remained a faithful, staunch, and enduring champion of no-nonsense microfinance, ensuring proper disciplines and viability. Most of all, he has consistently looked after and protected the interests of the cooperative members—with favorable declaration of dividends and patronage refund along with participatory and consultative decision-making processes.” (Turning Points, Ruth Callanta, 2024). Prof. Ron is also a consultant for the International Fund for Agriculture Development and actively sits on the boards of Pagasa Philippines Finance Corporation, the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, Move to Change Foundation, Inc., and the Commodore Jose Francisco Foundation, Inc. (AHA Learning Center).
Martijn Bollen
Martijn Bollen
Martijn Bollen is the Chief Compliance, Legal and Risk Officer (‘CCLRO’) of ASA International Group, having been the General Counsel of the Group since 2007. Mr Bollen has over 15 years of experience in the microfinance industry. He also serves as the General Counsel of Catalyst Microfinance Investors (‘CMI’) and has worked with Sequoia BV since 2005. Mr Bollen worked as an Attorney-at-Law in the banking and finance department of Loyens & Loeff from 2000 to 2004 and from 2004-2005 held roles as in-house counsel and Attorney-at-Law.
Geert Embrechts
Geert Embrechts
Geert Embrechts is ASA International Group's Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for the Finance, Treasury, Tax and Investor Relations functions and works closely with colleagues across the business to support the execution of ASA International’s strategy. Geert joined from Rabobank, where he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Wholesale & Rural business unit, which represents the bank’s international operations. He has 30 years of experience at Rabobank, having led and scaled finance, control and operational functions across multiple business lines and geographies, including extensive experience in emerging markets. He has also served on several Supervisory Boards.
Khurram Gul Agha
Khurram Gul Agha
Ex-officio member of the Board through his position as CEO.