Security Bank Chief Financial Officer JD Yap has been named one of four co-chairs of the newly launched East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Chapter of the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The appointment recognizes Yap’s extensive experience in SME banking and reinforces Security Bank’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses thrive. It also gives the Philippines a voice in regional discussions on expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across East Asia and the Pacific.

Prior to his current role as CFO, he led Security Bank’s Business Banking Segment, where he deepened the Bank’s focus on MSMEs and strengthened support for Filipino entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Through tailored financing, cash management, and digital banking solutions, Security Bank helps businesses start, grow, and scale their businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

“MSMEs are the backbone of economies across the region, and supporting entrepreneurs has long been a priority for Security Bank,” Yap said. “This role provides an opportunity to bring Philippine perspectives to the table, learn from peers across East Asia and the Pacific, and help advance practical solutions that enable small businesses to grow and innovate.”

Yap will serve alongside fellow co-chairs Regzedmaa Bayar of Mongolia’s Khan Bank, Sumit Khurana, Senior Vice President for SME Business, Asia Pacific at Mastercard, and Shrikant Patil, CEO and Managing Director of Singapore-based risk intelligence platform DigiAlly.

Together, they will help set the chapter’s priorities and foster collaboration among members, with a focus on advancing practical solutions in digital finance, supply chain finance, sustainable finance, and other emerging areas that support the evolving needs of MSMEs.