ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. announced that its Board of Trustees has elected Richard J. Smith as its new president.
In a statement, ASA Philippines said Smith brings to this role a wealth of experience spanning several decades in the financial services industry, and encompassing multiple regions and roles.
He was most recently based in Botswana supporting one of Africa’s largest microfinance companies operating in 11 southern Africa markets and has extensive background in governance, risk, and compliance matters.
Smith also served as the Chief Compliance Officer for Citi’s Europe, Middle East, Africa region based in London, and in the same role in the Asia Pacific region, based in Hong Kong.
ASA Philippines Foundation Chairman Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said Smith’s extensive international experience and proven track record in the financial sector “will be invaluable in leading the Foundation towards new heights.”
“We are excited to welcome Trustee Richard Smith to the role of President. His high energy, vision and expertise are expected to drive the organization’s mission of poverty alleviation and financial inclusion in the Philippines,” Cuisia said.
Smith is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans. He is a certified SAFe Agilist, underlining his commitment to digital innovation, agile methodologies and innovative leadership.
“I am humbled by this appointment and the responsibilities entrusted to me by the Board of Trustees to lead an organization that has been supporting millions of nanay entrepreneurs across the Philippines for the last 20 years,” Smith said.
He added that, “I look forward to joining over 12,000 ASA colleagues who are singularly focused on our mission towards poverty alleviation and financial inclusion in the Philippines.”
ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. is a Philippines based non-profit, non-stock, non-governmental microfinance organization founded in 2004, dedicated to poverty alleviation and financial inclusion.
Some 12,000 ASA professionals provide financial support and social services to 2.3 million female micro-entrepreneurs, their families, and communities through its more than 1,800 branches covering 88 percent of all the municipalities in the Philippines.