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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider SMBC names new Philippine corporate banking head

SMBC names new Philippine corporate banking head

Published Mar 16, 2026 03:51 pm

At A Glance

  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Manila Branch (SMBC) has appointed Maria Angelica Balangue as head of its corporate banking department in the Philippines.
Maria Angelica Balangue
Maria Angelica Balangue

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Manila Branch (SMBC) has appointed Maria Angelica Balangue as head of its corporate banking department in the Philippines.

Balangue’s appointment, effective Monday, March 16, signals the bank’s plans to expand its large corporate business and leverage its global network, including collaboration with partner bank, Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

Her appointment is subject to regulatory approval by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Balangue succeeds Ruben Victa, who is retiring after five years of service, during which he helped strengthen SMBC’s corporate banking franchise in the country.

Based in Manila, SMBC said Balangue will drive the strategic direction of the bank’s corporate banking operations in the Philippines and enhance the delivery of integrated solutions to corporate and institutional clients.

Balangue will report to Hiroyasu Kanda, managing director and country head for the Philippines, and Joyce Tee, head of the corporate banking department for Asia-Pacific, while working closely with regional teams to tap cross-market opportunities.

According to the financial giant, Balangue brings more than two decades of experience across leading financial institutions, including BDO Unibank Inc., Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), China Bank Capital Corp., and ING Bank, with expertise in corporate banking, capital markets origination, and relationship management.

“We are delighted to welcome Angelica to SMBC. Her proven track record in leading transformation initiatives and major portfolios positions us to grow key sectors in the Philippines and deepen client relationships,” Kanda said.

“Under Angelica’s leadership, we will continue to leverage our global network and close collaboration with RCBC to expand our large corporate business and elevate customer satisfaction locally and regionally,” Tee added. - Derco Rosal

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