Cebuana Lhuillier, a leading force in financial empowerment, earned top honors at the 2025Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with multiple major wins: a Gold Stevie® for Innovative Management in Financial Industries, and two Silver Stevies® for Innovation in Cause-Related Videos and Thought Leader of the Year. These awards recognize Cebuana Lhuillier’s breakthrough initiatives in entrepreneurship development, digital financial education, and leadership, highlighting its role as a catalyst for inclusive economic progress.

“These awards affirm our commitment to creating real change through innovation rooted in purpose,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Inc. “Whether we are helping a small business owner start their journey or making financial education accessible through a smartphone screen, our mission remains empowering every Filipino to thrive.”

Jean Henri Lhuillier: Bridging Technology, Community, and Inclusive Growth

Jean Henri’s Silver Stevie® Award for Thought Leader of the Year recognizes his visionary leadership in transforming Cebuana Lhuillier into the Philippines’ largest micro-financial services provider. Under his guidance, microfinance goes beyond isolated products to become a fully integrated ecosystem that promotes financial wellness, inclusive growth, and social impact by combining technology, community engagement, and strategic innovation.

From a single pawnshop, Jean Henri has built an expansive ecosystem that now empowers over 27 million Filipinos at every stage of their financial journey. This includes immediate bridge financing for urgent needs, accessible micro-savings to build resilience, affordable insurance protecting families, business support through the KaNegosyo Center, and inclusive investment opportunities in retail gold and jewelry. Every part of the ecosystem is designed to meet Filipinos where they are and uplift their financial capabilities.

Central to his leadership is the TechBrick strategy, an approach that merges Cebuana Lhuillier’s physical network of over 3,500 branches nationwide with digital platforms like the eCebuanaapp and AI-powered tools. This hybrid model delivers financial services with accessibility and convenience, ensuring no Filipino, regardless of where they are, is left behind. Additionally, Cebuana Lhuillier’s remittance services connect Filipinos to over 3 million payout locations worldwide, spanning the United States, Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific, further strengthening its role as a trusted financial bridge for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Jean Henri Lhuillier’s leadership exemplifies how a holistic microfinance ecosystem can create meaningful, inclusive impact—uplifting lives, empowering communities, and driving sustainable financial wellness across the Philippines and beyond.

Money Guro: Turning Financial Education into a Digital Movement

Jean Henri Lhuillier’s commitment to empowering Filipinos through financial inclusion alsoshines through initiatives like Money Guro, a social-first campaign he hosts that reflects his vision of accessible, practical financial education for all. As a Silver Stevie® winner for Innovation in Cause-Related Videos, Money Guro uses short, story-driven videos to break down everyday financial challenges into clear, relatable lessons. By reaching Filipinos on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, it encourages smarter money decisions and builds confidence across every stage of the financial journey.

True to Jean Henri’s vision of a fully integrated financial ecosystem, Money Guro covers essential topics including managing loans, investments, budgeting, and insurance—mirroring Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission to support clients in progressing from immediate financial needs to long-term wealth building. From bridge financing and micro-savings to business support and accessible investment options, the campaign reinforces the company’s goal of helping Filipinos move from pawning to loans, from opening savings accounts to investing for the future.

Since its launch in January 2024, Money Guro has grown to over 1.17 million followers, with more than 39 million views on Facebook and 55 million on TikTok. Featuring 236 episodes across 10 engaging formats—including popular series like “May Tanong?”, “JHL Tips,” and “Di Siguro”—Money Guro transforms personal finance from a complex topic into an empowering daily habit, fostering a more financially resilient Filipino population ready to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

KaNegosyo Center: Democratizing Access to Business Ownership

Jean Henri Lhuillier’s inclusive approach to financial empowerment extends beyond individuals—it scales to the very lifeblood of the Philippine economy: micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 99.5% of all businesses nationwide. Under his direction, CebuanaLhuillier launched the KaNegosyo Center (KNC), a groundbreaking initiative and Gold Stevie® winner for Innovative Management in Financial Industries. KNC redefines how entrepreneurs access capital, training, permits, and compliance—removing roadblocks and opening doors to sustainable growth.

Through practical bundles like “Simula” and “Paglago,” KNC offers a clear pathway for Filipinos to start, register, and grow their businesses. Since its debut in June 2023, the platform has empowered over 1 million entrepreneurs and generated more than 31 million views of its business coaching modules, nurturing a vibrant community of 900,000 members across 82 provinces.

True to Jean Henri’s ecosystem vision, KNC operates both online and across over 3,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches, blending digital convenience with on-the-ground support. It provides business coaching, tax filing assistance, financing access, and connections to government services through partnerships with DTI, TESDA, and BIR. Backed by the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., KNC stands as a cornerstone of Cebuana Lhuillier’s broader micro-financial ecosystem—equipping Filipino entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Inclusive Growth

“Creating lasting social impact requires continuous innovation and listening to the needs of Filipinos nationwide,” added Jean Henri. “Our vision is clear—to democratize access to financial services and business ownership so every Filipino, no matter their background, can participate in the country’s economic growth and build a better future.”

With these Stevie Awards, Cebuana Lhuillier reinforces its commitment to driving meaningful change for all Filipinos.