Former Department of Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo announced his retirement as chairman of Veterans Bank.
The bank’s board of directors approved his decision at their most recent meeting.
De Ocampo served Veterans Bank for 12 years, initially taking on the role of chairman and chief executive at the request of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Finance (DOF). He was tasked with revitalizing and reforming the institution.
During his tenure, De Ocampo led comprehensive reforms that overhauled the bank’s governance structure, replaced and strengthened its board and modernized its policy frameworks and management systems.
His leadership was crucial in addressing regulatory concerns raised by the BSP and guiding the bank toward operational excellence.
Among his achievements, De Ocampo advocated for the passage of a new Veterans Bank Charter, collaborating with legislators, regulators and key stakeholders. Under his direction, the bank maintained financial stability and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also spearheaded efforts to raise the bank’s capital to meet BSP’s standards for commercial banks, ensuring its long-term viability and competitiveness.
The board expressed its deep gratitude to De Ocampo for his unwavering dedication and transformative leadership, describing his legacy as one of integrity, innovation and impact.
De Ocampo leaves Veterans Bank well-capitalized, profitable and positioned as a preferred financial institution for veterans, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retirees, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and other uniformed services members, while also emerging as a vital and strengthening member of the country’s private banking sector.
De Ocampo, an “outstanding son of a WWII veteran community,” concludes his tenure with a lasting imprint on the institution, which the bank said would continue to guide and inspire its future. He leaves the bank fully capitalized and with a record profit for the first time in its history.
While the board acknowledged his retirement, it also expressed its intention to retain De Ocampo’s services in some capacity to continue providing his unique guidance toward achieving the bank’s desired positioning and objectives.
