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Meet Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan: The Filipino Banking Expert Joining The Vatican Bank's Leadership
Photo from CEO Magazine via RCAM
The Vatican Bank, officially known as the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR), has just welcomed a new powerhouse to its Board of Supervision—Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan. A highly respected lawyer with decades of experience in banking and asset management, Tan brings her expertise to one of the most significant financial institutions in the world.
A Homegrown Financial Leader
Tan’s journey to the Vatican Bank started in the Philippines, where she built an impressive career in finance and law. A graduate of both Economics and Law from the University of the Philippines Diliman, she has spent over 30 years advising on corporate and banking transactions. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
She played a pivotal role at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), where she served as President and CEO of BPI Asset Management & Trust Corporation—the largest independent trust company in the country. She also held executive roles at BPI Capital Corporation, further solidifying her reputation as a top financial strategist.
Beyond BPI, Tan was the Co-Managing Director of Ayala Group Legal, giving her extensive experience in corporate governance and financial oversight. She currently serves on the Finance Board for the Archbishop of Manila and is an active Trustee and Executive Committee Member for the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center and the San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation in Manila.
Why Tan’s Appointment Matters
Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, President of the Board of Supervision at the Vatican Bank, expressed confidence in Tan’s ability to strengthen the institution’s financial strategies.
"We welcome Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan. Her impressive experience and leadership skills in international banking and finance will help the IOR enhance the Board renovation process initiated last autumn. Her joining us is a significant step towards strengthening the Institute’s strategic goals and improving the quality of services for our clients and the Holy See," he said in a statement.
The Vatican Bank’s Role in the Catholic World
The IOR isn’t just any bank—it’s the financial backbone of the Vatican, managing funds and investments that support the Holy See’s global mission. It serves Catholic institutions, churches, and charities, ensuring financial stability for various religious and humanitarian projects.
Tan’s expertise in banking and asset management makes her a valuable addition to the Vatican Bank’s leadership, and her appointment is a proud moment for the Philippines, showcasing the global impact of Filipino professionals in the world of finance.
With this new role, Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan is set to leave her mark not just in Philippine banking but on the financial operations of the Vatican itself.
A Homegrown Financial Leader
Tan’s journey to the Vatican Bank started in the Philippines, where she built an impressive career in finance and law. A graduate of both Economics and Law from the University of the Philippines Diliman, she has spent over 30 years advising on corporate and banking transactions. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
She played a pivotal role at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), where she served as President and CEO of BPI Asset Management & Trust Corporation—the largest independent trust company in the country. She also held executive roles at BPI Capital Corporation, further solidifying her reputation as a top financial strategist.
Beyond BPI, Tan was the Co-Managing Director of Ayala Group Legal, giving her extensive experience in corporate governance and financial oversight. She currently serves on the Finance Board for the Archbishop of Manila and is an active Trustee and Executive Committee Member for the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center and the San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation in Manila.
Why Tan’s Appointment Matters
Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, President of the Board of Supervision at the Vatican Bank, expressed confidence in Tan’s ability to strengthen the institution’s financial strategies.
"We welcome Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan. Her impressive experience and leadership skills in international banking and finance will help the IOR enhance the Board renovation process initiated last autumn. Her joining us is a significant step towards strengthening the Institute’s strategic goals and improving the quality of services for our clients and the Holy See," he said in a statement.
The Vatican Bank’s Role in the Catholic World
The IOR isn’t just any bank—it’s the financial backbone of the Vatican, managing funds and investments that support the Holy See’s global mission. It serves Catholic institutions, churches, and charities, ensuring financial stability for various religious and humanitarian projects.
Tan’s expertise in banking and asset management makes her a valuable addition to the Vatican Bank’s leadership, and her appointment is a proud moment for the Philippines, showcasing the global impact of Filipino professionals in the world of finance.
With this new role, Sheila Marie L. Uriarte-Tan is set to leave her mark not just in Philippine banking but on the financial operations of the Vatican itself.
Feb 7, 2025
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