IN A FINANCIAL landscape marked by volatility and transformation, BPI Wealth is charting a bold course—digitally, globally, and sustainably. At the helm is Maria Theresa Marcial, a seasoned banker, strategist, and offshore sailor whose leadership is reshaping how Filipinos build and protect their wealth.
Digital Milestones, Global Ambitions
BPI Wealth recently crossed a major threshold: over ₱1 billion in assets under management helped lately by its digital investment platform. With more than 20,000 new accounts opened online, the firm is proving that wealth management is no longer the exclusive domain of the elite—it’s now accessible to every Filipino with a smartphone and a dream.
In October, BPI Wealth will open its Singapore office, targeting high-net-worth Filipinos across ASEAN. This follows successful expansions in Hong Kong and London, reinforcing BPI’s vision of becoming a truly regional player.
Sustainability at the Core
Marcial’s leadership is also steering BPI Wealth into uncharted waters—literally. The firm is finalizing its blue bond framework, a pioneering move to fund marine conservation and sustainable development. It’s a natural extension of Marcial’s personal advocacy: she’s a trustee of WWF Philippines, a certified offshore sailor, and a passionate advocate for ocean protection.
Innovation Meets Inclusion
Under Marcial’s watch, BPI Wealth launched fully digital Portfolio Management Accounts (PMAs), allowing clients to invest in Treasury bills, preferred shares, and corporate bonds starting at ₱500,000—all online, with a dedicated advisor. It’s part of her vision to make BPI Wealth the most accessible asset manager in the industry.
Her mantra? “Wealth management should be a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.”
The Woman Behind the Strategy
Maria Theresa Marcial’s credentials are formidable:
28 years in banking, spanning investment management, trust, private banking, capital markets, and sustainability.
Former Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer of BPI.
Harvard-trained, with a Master’s in Economics from UP Diliman and a Bachelor’s degree (cum laude) from UP Los Baños.
Recognized as one of Asia’s Top 25 Most Influential Women in Asset Management by Asian Investor magazine.
But beyond the boardroom, Marcial is an outdoor enthusiast—a certified skipper with over 8,000 nautical miles logged in races across the Philippines, Australia, the South China Sea, and the Mediterranean. Her leadership style mirrors her sailing philosophy: “Know your crew, read the winds, and always steer with purpose.”
Final Word
As BPI Wealth continues to expand its reach—from digital platforms to international offices, from retail investors to marine conservation—Marcial remains focused on one thing: building a future where every Filipino can do more, save more, and live more. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)/PN
