A 50th Anniversary Celebration
December 3, 2026 | Manila, Philippines
Presented by the UW Foster School of Business Global Banking Program
In 1976, the University of Washington launched a program with a bold premise: that the future of banking would be shaped by leaders who could think across borders, institutions, and systems. Fifty years later, that premise has been proven. More than 2,700 alumni from 49 countries have carried it forward as CEOs, central bank leaders, and senior executives across the global financial community.
This December, the UW Global Banking Program marks its 50th anniversary in Manila, Philippines, a fitting location for a program that has always been rooted in the Pacific Rim and the idea that global perspective is a necessity.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration is a reunion, a recognition, and a forward-looking convening. It brings together GBP alumni, current and past faculty, program partners, and friends to honor five decades of impact, and to engage seriously with what comes next for global banking.
Registration
Registration is now open. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your place at this milestone event. Two registration levels are available.
Anniversary Conference Experience
Best for attendees who want the full leadership and networking experience.
- Leadership workshop with Professor Pat Bettin
- Anniversary dinner reception
- Networking opportunities with alumni and industry leaders
$500
Anniversary Dinner only
Best for attendees joining the evening celebration and networking event only.
- Anniversary dinner reception
- Evening networking event
$175
Keynote and Speakers
Keynote
Speaker Name: Dr. Eli Remolona, Jr., Chairman of the Monetary Board and Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Governor Remolona has extensive policy and operational experience in monetary policy and international finance having worked for 19 years at the Bank for International Settlements and 14 years for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
From 2019 to 2022, Governor Remolona served as professor of finance and director of central banking at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, he also taught at Williams College, Columbia University, New York University, and the University of the Philippines-School of Economics.
Before his appointment to the Monetary Board in 2022, Governor Remolona served as an independent director of the Bank for Philippine Islands (BPI) and chairman of its risk management committee.
He earned his PhD in Economics with distinction from Stanford University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics with honors from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Speakers
Frank Hodge, Dean, UW Foster School of Business
Frank Hodge is the Orin & Janet Smith Dean at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. He was appointed the 14th dean of the school in July 2019. Dean Hodge joined the faculty at UW Foster in 2000. Prior to becoming Dean, he served as chair of the Department of Accounting and as the UW Faculty Athletics Representative to the Pac-12 and NCAA. He holds an undergraduate degree from Carroll College and earned his MBA and Ph.D. from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Known as “Coach” to his students, his teaching has been recognized with dozens of awards across the undergraduate, graduate and executive levels, including the PACCAR Award for Excellence in Teaching, the school’s highest teaching honor, which is selected entirely by students.
Jean Choy, Associate Dean, UW Foster School of Business
Jean Choy is Associate Dean in charge of Executive Education, Global EMBA Program, and International Initiatives at UW Foster. She has been heading the Global Banking Program since 2003, ensuring the program continues to remain relevant and impactful. As passionate educator in learning and development, Jean Choy is responsible for fostering long-term strategic partnerships to promote new business development and collaborative initiatives with corporations, academic institutions, and government offices that mutually benefit the organizations and the Foster School of Business. Jean also teaches in the Global Executive MBA Program as well as numerous Executive Education programs for corporate clients and government agencies regionally and globally.
Pat Bettin, Faculty, UW Foster School of Business
Dr. Patrick Bettin is an internationally recognized leadership and management development expert whose career spans academia, industry, and military service. A Senior Lecturer at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, he has earned the school’s Excellence in Teaching Award an extraordinary 47 times. Earlier in his career, he served on the faculty at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he led and taught in the Leadership Electives program. His consulting work includes designing and delivering leadership programs for major corporations such as Boeing, PACCAR, Providence Health System and Alaska Airlines among others. His teaching and consulting have taken him across the globe, including Japan, Australia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Latin America, and the Middle East. Pat taught the core leadership courses for the Pacific Coast Banking School from 2011 to 2023.
A seasoned practitioner as well as an educator, Dr. Bettin has led organizations ranging from 125 to 1,500 people and has been repeatedly recognized for his exceptional leadership performance. His military career is distinguished by two decorations for valor, two Purple Hearts, and the William O. Darby Leadership Award as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School. Notably, he was the youngest officer selected for promotion to Colonel at the conclusion of his military service.
James Chen, Chairman, CTBC Bank Co., Ltd
James Chen is Chairman of CTBC Bank, one of Taiwan’s leading and most internationally diversified financial institutions. He has more than three decades of experience in banking and financial services, with expertise in corporate banking, international business, and strategic management. He previously served as President of CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and President of CTBC Bank.
Under his leadership, CTBC has expanded its global presence, accelerated digital transformation, and strengthened its commitment to sustainable growth and customer-focused innovation. Widely respected for his strategic vision, integrity, and dedication to excellence, Mr. Chen has made significant contributions to the advancement and internationalization of Taiwan’s financial industry, creating lasting value for customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities CTBC serves.
Hendra Lembong, President Director, BCA.
Hendra Lembong has over 30 years of banking experience both in Indonesia and internationally. He served as Deputy President Director from 2022 until 2025, responsible for general supervision of the Finance & Corporate Planning Director and the Transaction Banking Director, as well as responsible for the Strategic Information Technology Group and the Operation Strategy & Development Group. Also monitors developments at PT Central Capital Ventura, a subsidiary in venture capital, and at PT Bank Digital BCA (BCA Digital), a subsidiary engaged in digital banking.
Prior to joining BCA, he was Chief Transformation Officer, led Transformation & Strategy Program that started in January 2019 to March 2020 for all units and functions at PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk; Chief Fintech Officer CIMB Group Malaysia (June 2018 to December 2018); CEO Group of Transaction Banking CIMB Group Malaysia (July 2016 to December 2018); Chief of Transaction Banking PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (August 2013 to December 2018); Regional Head of Transaction Services (cash, liquidity, FX), Asia Pacific with J.P. Morgan Asia-Pacific in Singapore (2010-2013); Global COO & Head of Business Development with Deutsche Bank London (2009-2010); and career with Citibank from 1994 to 2009 in various posts in Asia and Europe in strategy and product management.
Ashish Sharma, Former Wells Fargo Executive; Founder and CEO, JanuX Advisory.
With over two decades of experience, Ashish Sharma has held various international banking roles at Wachovia and Union Bank of California, notably serving as a project leader during the sale of Union Bank’s international business to Wachovia ($279m deal). With this background, Ashish continues to serve as the President of the UW’s Global Banking Program Board. In addition, as Founder of JanuX Advisory, Ashish brings over 30 years of leadership experience in global payments, treasury management, and venture capital banking, providing strategic guidance to banks, fintech and venture-backed firms while developing proprietary pipelines for emerging technologies. He is focused on advancing digital finance, CFO innovation, family office and private banking platforms, and strategic technology partnerships. Prior to founding JanuX, Ashish was a key member of the leadership team that transitioned from City National Bank, a RBC Company, to Axos, to co-develop the bank’s formal entry into the Technology & Venture Banking segment. In this capacity, he operationalized the segment’s infrastructure, raising institutional profile and managing FinTech relationships.
Agenda
The event will commence at 1:00 PM with an interactive workshop led by Professor Pat Bettin, offering participants an engaging and immersive learning experience designed to strengthen and elevate their leadership capabilities. At 5:00 PM, the program will transition into an evening reception featuring cocktails and networking, followed by a formal dinner in the Ballroom. The evening will include a keynote address, presentation of leadership awards, and curated entertainment. Together, these elements will create a memorable and inspiring experience alongside distinguished leaders from the financial community.
Venue and location
Event Venue and Travel
Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts
Newport City Complex, 1 Newport Blvd, Pasay City, 1309 Metro
Manila, Philippines
International flights serve Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila’s primary international gateway.
Hotel Accommodations
Foster has secured a room block at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts for conference attendees.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of many countries require a visa to enter the Philippines. We strongly encourage attendees to verify entry requirements with the Philippine embassy or consulate in their country well in advance of the event. View entry guidance from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
Attendees are responsible for securing any required travel documentation.
About the UW Global Banking Program
The UW Global Banking Program was founded in 1976 as the Pacific Rim Bankers Program and has, for 50 years, prepared mid- and senior-level banking and finance professionals to lead with broader perspective and sharper judgment. Offered annually on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, the two-week program combines evidence-based faculty instruction, global industry expertise, and a distinguished peer cohort drawn from central banks, commercial banks, and financial institutions worldwide. Over 2,700 alumni in 49 countries carry the program’s influence into the institutions and markets they lead.
Learn more about the Global Banking Program
Honor the Legacy: Kermit O. Hanson Endowed Scholarship
The Kermit O. Hanson Endowment Fund honors the founder of the UW Global Banking Program (then known as the Pacific Rim Bankers Program) and the vision he brought to it. Dr. Hanson believed that developing global banking leaders was a mission worthy of a great public university, and the program he created has borne that out for five decades.
The Hanson Endowment provides scholarship support for qualified individuals to attend the Global Banking Program, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to this transformative experience.
As we mark 50 years of the program Dr. Hanson founded, a contribution to this fund is a meaningful way to extend his legacy and invest in the next generation of global banking leaders.
Donate to the Kermit O. Hanson Endowed Scholarship Fund
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this event?
This conference is designed for Global Banking Program (GBP) alumni, current and former faculty, speakers, board members, sponsors, and professionals in the finance and banking industry. Leaders interested in leadership development, industry networking, and engagement with the University of Washington Foster School of Business community are encouraged to attend.
Is this event open to non-GBP alumni?
Yes. The conference is open to all supporters of the Global Banking Program (GBP), Foster School of Business alumni, and professionals in the finance and banking community.
What is included in registration?
Attendees may choose from two registration options:
- Leadership Workshop + Dinner Experience
Includes an interactive leadership workshop led by Professor Pat Bettin, one of the program’s highest-rated faculty members, followed by the evening dinner event. The workshop will focus on leadership insights and advanced professional development topics designed specifically for alumni and experienced professionals. - Dinner-Only Registration
Includes access to the evening networking and dinner event.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Full payment is required at the time of registration. Registrants who submit a written cancellation request by November 23, 2026 will receive a full refund. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received after November 23, 2026. If the event is cancelled, UW Executive Education will refund the registration fee in full; however, UW Executive Education is not responsible for travel, accommodations, or other expenses incurred by the participant.
Are visa invitation letters available?
Yes. Upon request, the University of Washington Foster School of Business can provide a visa invitation letter for registered international attendees.
Are disability accommodations or dietary accommodations available?
Yes. The event team can coordinate disability accommodations and dietary requests with the hotel venue. Attendees are encouraged to submit accommodation requests in advance to help ensure appropriate arrangements.
How many seats in each table? Is there a way to book or reserve a table for a group?
There will be 8-10 seats in each table. For table (group) reservation, contact the Executive Education office and indicate how many seats you would like to have.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
For additional questions about the conference, registration, or accommodations, please contact The Executive Education office at [email protected].
Contact
For questions about the 50th Anniversary event or the Global Banking Program, contact the Foster School Executive Education office: [email protected] | 206-543-8560