Speaker’s Bios

Meet our Speaker

Maria Elena Santos

Chief Sustainability Officer Of Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE)

Topic: Green Credit Guarantees: Financing the Transition to Renewable Energy

With the global push toward Net Zero, small businesses in the Philippines are facing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. However, the high cost of green technology remains a barrier. This presentation outlines the framework for “Green Guarantees,” a specialized credit product designed to lower the interest rates for MSMEs investing in solar energy and energy-efficient machinery. We will examine how guarantee institutions can act as the primary catalyst for climate resilience in the Asian financial ecosystem.

Dr. Kenji Tanaka

Executive Director of Risk Analytics Of Japan Finance Corporation (JFC)

Leveraging AI for Predictive Credit Scoring in Small Business Loans.

As the landscape of MSME lending shifts toward a data-first approach, traditional credit scoring models are often insufficient for businesses without significant collateral. This session explores how the Japan Finance Corporation is integrating machine learning algorithms to analyze non-traditional data points—such as transaction flows and digital footprints—to predict repayment behavior with higher accuracy. We will discuss the balance between automated AI efficiency and the essential “human touch” required in credit guarantee risk assessment.

Mr. Somsak Rakpanich

Senior Executive Vice President of Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG)

Topic: Cross-Border Collaboration: Harmonizing Guarantee Standards in Southeast Asia

With the rise of regional trade agreements, MSMEs are increasingly looking to expand beyond their national borders. However, varying credit standards often make cross-border financing difficult. This technical workshop explores the potential for harmonizing guarantee standards among ACSIC member countries. We will look at a proposed framework for “Reciprocal Guarantees,” allowing a business guaranteed in Thailand to more easily access credit in Cambodia or Malaysia, thereby creating a truly integrated Asian SME ecosystem.

Dr. Oyunbileg Bat-Erdene

Chief Risk Officer of Credit Guarantee Fund of Mongolia (CGFM)

Topic: Risk Management in Volatile Markets: Lessons from the Steppe

Managing a credit guarantee fund in an economy heavily reliant on commodities requires a unique approach to risk diversification. Dr. Bat-Erdene will share the Mongolian experience in balancing high-risk agricultural portfolios with the need for fund capital preservation. This session provides a deep dive into “Stress Testing” for guarantee funds, demonstrating how to maintain a healthy leverage ratio even when the local currency or primary export markets face significant volatility.