| | FEBRUARY 20253Angelo LorenzanaRedefining Lending Practices through Integrity and AdaptabilityFounder & CEO, Orange Seed LendingBy Sujith VasudevanLEADERS FROM FINANCIAL SERVICES IN PHILIPPINES - 2025TOP 10In financial services industry, leadership is defined by individuals who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to take risks, innovate, and adapt to the ever-evolving market dynamics. The industry thrives on those who have the resilience to overcome obstacles and the foresight to guide businesses through challenging landscapes. These leadership qualities are particularly critical in a developing country as the Philippines. One such leader is Angelo Lorenzana, Founder and CEO of Orange Seed Lending, a firm focused on providing accessible financial solutions to underserved communities.Angelo's career is a testament to the power of risk-taking, resilience, and sacrifice. For 25 years, he navigated through some of the most challenging and competitive environments. He began his career at a reputable commercial bank in New Jersey, USA, where he broke multiple barriers. Not only was he the first Asian to enter the bank's Management Training Program, but he also became the youngest Portfolio Administrator for retail retirement accounts. His roles as a credit analyst, risk analyst, and financial auditor in consumer and business lending divisions further solidified his foundation in finance.After five years in banking, Angelo transitioned to investment banking, a move that was both risky and demanding. The intense work culture and long hours, often reaching 80 to 100 hours per week, tested his limits. Yet, his persistence paid off as he excelled in the field for 11 years, co-founding a successful advisory business focused on valuations and credit deals for hedge funds and private equity firms.Angelo's journey didn't stop there. While working full-time in New York, he pursued an Executive MBA from Oxford University, making history as the first Filipino American to achieve this advanced degree. His academic pursuits were complemented by executive coursework at prestigious institutions like the University of Cape Town in South Africa and Zhejiang University in China.Yet, despite these successes, Angelo made the bold decision to leave behind his thriving Wall Street career to pursue impact investing in the Philippines. This transition was met with much criticism and doubt, but his determination led him to create Orange Seed Lending. His decision to launch a business in the Philippines, despite the risks, was guided by the belief that the regret of not following his passion would outweigh the potential failure.At this stage in his life, Angelo emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and humility. He's learned that setbacks are opportunities COVER STORY
< Page 2 | Page 4 >