Stephen T. CuUnjieng is a Filipino investment banker and corporate advisor with over three decades of experience in international banking and finance. He currently serves as Chairman of Evercore Asia and holds multiple board positions across various companies. He is known for his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and his analysis of Asian financial markets.[1]

Stephen CuUnjieng
Born
NationalityFilipino
Alma materAteneo de Manila University (AB, JD)
University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
Occupation(s)Investment banker, Corporate advisor
Known forInternational investment banking
Analysis of Philippine financial markets
Chairman of Evercore Asia
SpouseMaitoni del Rosario
RelativesYam Concepcion (daughter-in-law)

Early life and education

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CuUnjieng completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Doctor of Jurisprudence at the Ateneo de Manila University. He later earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.[2]

Career

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Investment banking

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CuUnjieng has held several senior positions in global financial institutions:

  • Chairman of Evercore Asia (Present)[2]
  • Senior Managing Director at Macquarie (Former)
  • Head of Asia-Pacific Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch (Former)
  • Various senior positions at Salomon Brothers (Former)

Board positions

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He serves as an independent director on multiple corporate boards:

  • Independent Director, SM Investments Corporation
  • Independent Director, Manila North Tollways Corporation
  • Board Member, OpenSpace Ventures
  • Advisory Board Member, Advisors' Council of The Asia Society Philippines[2]

Media and commentary

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Stephen CuUnjieng contributes a weekly column to The Manila Times, offering insights into investment, business, and finance.[3] Known for his expertise, he frequently provides commentary on Asian financial markets and the economic policies of the Philippines.

CuUnjieng also hosts the talk show Banker After Dark, which presents intimate conversations with leading figures in the business world. The show blends professional insights with personal anecdotes, featuring discussions on career journeys, economic perspectives, and life outside the corporate sphere.[4]

Notable public engagements

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Maharlika Investment Fund analysis

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In early 2023, CuUnjieng provided significant analysis of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund initiative in the Philippines. He gained attention for his critical evaluation of the fund's implementation strategy and its international reception, noting that it was viewed as "nothing" in the international financial community at that time.[5]

Economic policy commentary

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In January 2024, CuUnjieng commented on the appointment of Ralph Recto as Finance Secretary, emphasizing the importance of understanding the broader implications of financial policies: "a good finance minister needs to understand that government financial issues are not simply limited to finance, but must appreciate that there are social and political ramifications to financial and economic policies."[6]

Television

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Year Title Role Network Source
2024–present Banker After Dark Host ABS-CBN News Channel [7]

Personal life

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Stephen CuUnjieng is married to Maitoni del Rosario. The couple has three children: Miguel, who is married to actress Yam Concepcion; Enrique, who resides in Singapore; and Nicole CuUnjieng, who holds a PhD in History from Yale University.[8]

Awards and recognition

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  • Named one of Asia's Most Influential Dealmakers by various financial publications
  • Recognized for contributions to Philippine investment banking and capital markets development

References

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  1. ^ "MarketScreener Profile". Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Team — Stephen CuUnjieng". OpenSpace.vc. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  3. ^ "Stephen CuUnjieng". Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  4. ^ "ANC's Business Expert Stephen CuUnjieng Hosts New Talk Show "Banker After Dark"". November 7, 2024.
  5. ^ "Ready, fire, aim! Int'l investment banker says Maharlika Fund seen as 'nothing' globally for now. Here's why". Politiko. 2023-02-04. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  6. ^ Nick V. Quijano Jr. (January 17, 2024). "But why Recto?". Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  7. ^ "Premiered on 28 Oct 2024 at ANC 24/7". Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  8. ^ "Stephen CuUnjieng: Senior Managing Director at Evercore and Chairman of Evercore Asia". Medium. Retrieved 2024-10-30.