Redefining Leadership Through Digital Transformation
At BDO Unibank, the largest financial institution in the Philippines, Francis Chiu has redefined how leadership and technology intersect to drive progress. As First Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking Applications, he leads with a clear mission to modernize BDO’s digital infrastructure while keeping customer trust at the heart of every transformation. His leadership has successfully migrated the bank’s key consumer systems into more agile, secure, and scalable digital platforms that power millions of daily transactions.
Chiu’s forward-thinking initiatives have enhanced operational efficiency, shortened processing times, and optimized user experience across BDO’s ecosystem. But what sets his leadership apart is not just the ability to deliver technical results, it’s his commitment to fostering collaboration across departments. He empowers teams to take ownership, ensuring that innovation remains a collective journey rather than an isolated function. His guiding philosophy centers on three values: clarity, empathy, and accountability principles that continue to shape the evolution of BDO’s digital transformation strategy.
Empowering Teams, Building a Culture of Trust
For Chiu, technology is only as strong as the people behind it. Under his leadership, BDO has cultivated a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to innovate. He promotes open dialogue between business, IT, and customer service units, breaking silos and strengthening collaboration. By implementing a leadership model that prioritizes transparency and mentorship, he has helped shape a new generation of agile, resilient, and purpose-driven professionals.
His influence extends beyond the organization. As a respected figure in the regional CIO community, Chiu advocates for responsible innovation and sustainable digital practices. His leadership roles in the Philippine CIO Association and the Global CIO Forum reflect his dedication to driving positive change within and beyond the banking sector. He has also been recognized with multiple industry distinctions, including Legend CIO and Transformational CIO of the Year, both acknowledging his unwavering commitment to advancing the future of digital banking.
A Vision for Sustainable Digital Excellence
Chiu’s long-term vision goes beyond digital upgrades, it focuses on human-centered transformation. He understands that sustainable progress requires balance between innovation and inclusion. Under his guidance, BDO continues to implement technologies that not only enhance service efficiency but also promote environmental responsibility and accessibility for all Filipinos. By aligning digital initiatives with BDO’s sustainability goals, he ensures that every system upgrade and innovation contributes to a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient financial ecosystem.
As the financial industry faces rapid evolution, Francis Chiu stands as a model of modern leadership, one that blends intellect with empathy, vision with collaboration, and technology with purpose. His journey is a testament to the belief that progress in banking begins not with machines, but with people driven by integrity and passion.
