Walter de Oude is a fintech entrepreneur and insurance innovator best known for founding Chocolate Finance and Singlife. As Founder and CEO of Chocolate Finance, he is reimagining how people grow their spare cash by offering a simpler, more accessible alternative to traditional savings products, built around the idea that better returns can help people live richer lives.
Previously, Walter founded Singlife in 2014 and led its growth into one of Singapore’s most significant financial services success stories, scaling the business to a valuation of S$3.2 billion by 2020 through organic and inorganic expansion. Before Singlife, he held senior leadership roles at HSBC Insurance Singapore, including CEO, and also served as a Director of HSBC Asset Management. His earlier career included actuarial and consulting roles with Swiss Re and Willis Towers Watson.
Walter is also the founder of Chocolate Ventures, investing in early-stage companies where he can add strategic value.
Manuel Recto is a seasoned Business Strategist and Executive Coach with over 38 years of experience in financial management, business development, and international market strategy. Retired Vice President of Unilab, Southeast Asia’s largest healthcare conglomerate, he has led Finance and International Market Development across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and natural products sectors, with exposure to Asia-Pacific, Middle East, North America, Africa, and the EU. An Associate Certified Executive Coach (ICF-ACC), Manuel mentors C-level executives and startup entrepreneurs, helping them enhance analytical, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills. He guides organizations in creating shareholder value, building execution-focused cultures, and achieving sustainable growth. Manuel also serves as a Part-time Senior Lecturer at De La Salle University’s Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business and is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pasig, combining leadership, strategy, and ethical guidance.
