Bankers Institute of the Philippines

Aristeo P. Zafra, JR.

Aris has been the COO of BancNet for 18 years. During this period, he played an important role in shaping BancNet to be what it is today: the leading ATM consortium in the country with the most number of member banks, the largest number of ATMs and cardholders, and the widest range of products and services.

His remarkable career started at the Philippine National Bank right after college. He quickly rose from the ranks and for 20 years, he gained a wealth of experience in branch operations, financial management and what used to be called EDP or Electronic Data Processing for the longest time. He was PNB’s Vice President for Information Technology when BancNet got him to fill up its top executive post.

Such a success is no wonder considering his impressive academic and leadership records. A consistent honor student in grade school, a high school valedictorian and a BSBA Magna Cum Laude, he made his hometown Pagbilao, Quezon proud when he landed 5th place in the 1973 CPA Board Examinations. His various extra-curricular activities in school also prepared him for bigger leadership roles later in life.

Aris got married at a young age to his classmate in college. They are blessed with five talented children who now have their own successful careers. Six grandchildren bring extra joy to their family gatherings.

Aside from work and family, Aris also finds time to actively support various socio-civic organizations like the Quezon Tayabas Association and the Rotary Club of Pagbilao. They undertake medical and dental missions in depressed barangays in Quezon province and run a scholarship program for poor but deserving students in the province.

What does he do for fun? He enjoys singing and dancing. BAIPHIL members remember him as John Travolta dashing in black leather jacket (and a toupe!) as he delighted them with a Grease dance exhibition during one fellowship night.