Chinabank is strengthening its leadership bench amid the lingering pandemic, appointing Domini S. Velasquez for the newly created role of CBC Group Chief Economist under the Financial Markets Segment (FMS) effective September 6, 2021.

Velasquez will be leading the research and development of macroeconomic views that will help align the Bank’s vision, activities, and operations with current and anticipated economic conditions and trends.

“Domini brings her experience and expertise to the Chinabank Group at a crucial time,” said SVP Magnolia Luisa N. Palanca, head of FMS. “As the economy continues to recover from this crisis, Domini’s extensive macroeconomic knowledge will enhance our existing capabilities in understanding its impact and helping our clients navigate in the new normal.”

Velasquez has over 15 years of experience in macroeconomic research and policy analysis. She spent most of her career in the National Economic and Development Authority providing economic analysis and advice to the government and other stakeholders in achieving the country’s development plan. Aside from this, she was previously with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Investor Relations Office and Citibank’s public sector risk unit. Prior to joining Chinabank, she was a short-term consultant at the Asian Development Bank’s Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department.

Commenting on the appointment, Velasquez said: “I am excited to join Chinabank and share my skills and experience which will hopefully add value to achieving the Group’s business goals.”

Velasquez graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Policy, specializing in economic policy, from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in International Migration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.