"I do not believe in one-size-fits-all": Deutsche Bank's Dave Fuentebella

As the new head of global transaction banking for the Philippines, Dave plans to create efficiencies internally to bring better solutions to clients.

Deutsche Bank recently appointed Dave Fuentebella as Head of Global Transaction Banking (GTB) for the Philippines and Head of Trade Finance & Cash Management for Corporates (TF/CMC) in the Philippines.

Dave will report to Lisa Robins, Asia Pacific Head of GTB in his role as Head of GTB in the Philippines, to Arnd Weckes, Asia Pacific Head of Global Network Banking in his role as Head of TF/CMC in the Philippines, and locally to Enrico Cruz, Chief Country Officer for the Philippines.  

ABF: What makes you excited about your new position?
Deutsche Bank is a well-respected institution with a strong network globally and within Asia. The Bank is also clearly committed to its Global Transaction Banking (GTB) franchise, which is one of its four key business divisions. This is very exciting as it enables us to have a long-term vision for this business locally.

ABF: What three goals are you focused on?
In my new role, I will be responsible for driving the strategic growth of the Bank’s GTB business in The Philippines, and for overseeing its Trade Finance & Cash Management for Corporates business in this market.

With this mandate, my main goals will be to deepen our relationships with our existing clients, increase our market share and ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the highest levels of service excellence.

ABF: What will you do differently in this position?
Deutsche Bank’s GTB business has a strong focus on the ASEAN, so we are in a unique position with tremendous support from the Bank. I hope to be able to leverage my experience to significantly grow Deutsche Bank’s GTB business in this important market.

Second, given the rapidly increasing demand for our cash management, trade finance and securities services, I will also be looking at ways to create efficiencies internally to better serve our clients.

ABF: What changes are you planning for?
We need to strengthen our local capabilities to cope with this increasing demand, while remaining focused on service excellence. We also need to further leverage our global capabilities and network.

The favourable economic environment in the country should help provide our clients with more opportunities to expand their business, which means that their transaction banking needs will become more complex. Deutsche Bank is well positioned to address such needs.

ABF: What are your key business philosophies?
I do not believe in ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to bringing solutions to clients. Also, I think that trust should be at the core of every client relationship.

ABF: What previous positions prepared you for this one and how?
My previous corporate banking roles in product management, credit and client coverage should bring different perspectives into client dynamics and financing requirements. Looking at a client’s needs from various points of view enables you to have a more holistic approach, which also benefits the client.

ABF: Anything else you'd like to add?
Deutsche Bank's global network and footprint in 14 Asian countries combined with its extensive suite of products and services put us into a great position to be the provider of choice for transaction banking services. I look forward to meeting our clients, and to adding value to this dynamic organisation.