Chinabank has announced the appointment of a new Chief Audit Executive (CAE), Senior Vice President Jeruel N. Lobien, and the reorganization of the Audit Division, elevating it to Audit Group, effective June 1, 2023. 

As CAE, Lobien is responsible for developing and managing Chinabank’s risk-based internal audit programs, controls, and operations. Under him are the Head Office Units Audit Department, Branch Audit Department, IT Audit Department, and Audit Quality Assurance Department.  His predecessor, Vice President Ronald R. Marcaida, was named Senior Audit Executive and head of the newly-created Non-Head Office Audit Division.

The group-level advancement of the internal audit function is part of a broader initiative to realign the Audit Group’s operating model with the Bank’s strategic direction and growth objectives.

"We proudly welcome Jeruel who brings significant experience and a proven track record to this important role,” said Chinabank President & CEO Romeo D. Uyan Jr.

Lobien has over two decades of professional experience, including 16 years in the banking industry handling audit planning, execution, and communication, as well as financial accounting and reporting, business planning and analysis, balance sheet review, and finance compliance. Prior to joining Chinabank, he was the CAE of the Philippine Bank of Communications, and previous to that had served as Finance Head at Metrobank and CitiGroup Financial Services and Brokerage.

"I am honored to be part of the Chinabank team and look forward to working with the Board and Management in strengthening the Bank’s culture of corporate governance and internal controls and achieving the Bank's goals," said Lobien.

A Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor, Lobien also holds a Certification on Control Self-Assessment from the Institute of Internal Auditors.  He obtained his Executive Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management and graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Accountancy.