The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) recently hosted a panel discussion on “Cross-Border Transactions: Theory and Practice.” The panel brought together distinguished experts from various sectors, who are also students at the Institute. Atty. Paolo Ong, Assistant Director of the PhiliFinTech Innovation Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ingrid Rose Ann Beroña, Chief Risk Officer of GCash from the Master in International Business Law, and Joshua Allen Santos, Chief Operating Officer of TraXion Tech, Inc. and Jason Brasileño, Fraud and Financial Crime Division Head of GoTyme Bank from the Master of Science in Financial Technology, shared diverse perspectives and expertise.
Global financial technology expert Dr. Daniel Broby moderated the discussion, that focused on different payment systems, gateways, and their regulation. Beroña gave excellent insights from GCash, which in 2017 introduced the world’s first blockchain based remittances platform in collaboration with its partners. Issues, such as Know Your Clients (KYC) and anti-money laundering were addressed from the perspectives of each of the participants.
A key topic of the dialogue was the delicate balance between innovation and regulation. The SEC’s Regulatory Sandbox initiative emerged as a prime example of how regulatory bodies can foster innovation while maintaining consumer protection. The panelists praised this approach as crucial for testing new financial technologies in a controlled environment.
In terms of cybersecurity, experts shared strategies on addressing emerging digital threats. Beroña stressed the need to raise awareness about data privacy issues, including data breaches, “Cybersecurity and these issues should be normalized,” she said, “because everybody needs to learn.” Brasileño added that the Philippines is making strides in security, citing the adoption of Circular 1640. “It is getting better with how regulators are ensuring that we do have risk-based approach on fraud and KYC, on money laundering, and even including how digital banks should be able to function in such a way that they protect their own customers.”
Reflecting on their individual experiences, the experts also discussed how their advanced degrees have shaped their understanding and adaptation to this rapidly evolving sector. “If you get the chance to study – whether it is the Master of Science in Financial Technology or the Master in International Business Law – grab it because it gives holistic growth to you as an individual and also to your career,” emphasized Santos.
The forum acknowledged the Philippines’ potential as a regional financial technology leader in innovation while recognizing the challenges that come with it. They reinforced that success in this domain requires a collaborative approach between regulators, industry players, and academic institutions. AIM continues to foster impactful dialogues that shape the future of finance in Southeast Asia, offering a platform for knowledge exchange into the intersection of technology, regulation, and finance in the modern digital economy.
Develop the expertise to lead in digital finance through advanced programs in Financial Technology, International Law, and Cybersecurity. Take the next step at aim.edu today or contact our recruitment and admissions office at 8892 4011 or via email at admissions@aim.edu.
