Vikas Arora to lead Deutsche Bank Philippines

Deutsche Bank today announced the appointment of Vikas Arora as Chief Country Officer and Head of Corporate Bank for the Philippines, effective 1 October 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

In his new role, Arora will be responsible for Deutsche Bank’s comprehensive platform in the Philippines, driving the bank’s business across the Corporate Bank and Investment Bank and representing Deutsche Bank Group in the country. Arora will report jointly to Kaushik Shaparia, Deutsche Bank’s Chief Executive Officer for India and Emerging Asia and Burkhard Ziegenhorn, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Corporate Bank for Southeast Asia and Australia.

Arora joined Deutsche Bank as a management graduate in 1996 and has nearly three decades of experience across client coverage, trade finance, cash management, corporate banking and transaction banking in Asia and the Middle East. His previous roles at Deutsche Bank include Chief Country Officer in Sri Lanka and Head of Global Transaction Banking in the Philippines, where he was based from 2015 to 2018. He was most recently the bank’s Head of Corporate Bank in Malaysia.

Kaushik Shaparia, Deutsche Bank’s Chief Executive Officer for India and Emerging Asia said: "We have more than 50 years of history in the Philippines and see significant opportunities ahead for our clients and our franchise. Vikas is an experienced leader who understands both the market and the needs of our clients. We are pleased he has returned to Manila and look forward to working with him to continue to advance Deutsche Bank in the Philippines.”

Burkhard Ziegenhorn, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Corporate Bank for Southeast Asia and Australia said: "Vikas has returned to the Philippines at an exciting time for our business and our clients. His broad experience across client coverage and transaction banking, together with his understanding of the local market, will help us build on our strong position and capture new growth opportunities.”

Arora has relocated to Manila. His appointment reflects Deutsche Bank’s continued commitment to serving clients in the Philippines through its global network, local expertise and comprehensive suite of banking solutions.

Deutsche Bank first launched its presence in Manila in 1975 and obtained its full commercial banking license in 1995. In 2025, Euromoney recognised the bank as ‘Best Trade Finance Bank/Best Bank for Trade Finance Technology and Client Service’ in the Philippines. Also last year, The Asset named Deutsche Bank Philippines ‘Best in Treasury and Working Capital’ and the bank was highly commended as ‘Best Domestic Custodian’ and ‘Best Sub custodian’ in the Philippines.