Our people
24 February 2026
Zen Pangilinan, Cielo Aquino and Ethel Morata have each spent more than a decade shaping their careers in Macquarie's Manila office - a hub of technology and operational expertise driving transformation across the organisation. Today, they're at the forefront of leading teams that turn ideas and data into real business impact.
Manila's Technology teams are driving change across Macquarie, and Zen has been at the heart of that journey, leading projects that turn ideas into impactful solutions.
Over her 10-year career, she has deliberately sought roles that offer new learning opportunities, a mindset that has shaped her progression into a senior manager in Technology.
"My career progression and mobility through teams have largely been driven by my desire to learn," she explains. "A supportive environement has empowered me and enabled me to grow both personally and proffessionally."
Zen joined Macquarie in 2015 as a Data Engineer in Quantitative Risk Management after several years in data integration and engineering at a tech consulting company. Early opportunities, including stepping into a tech lead role and supporting a major risk management initiative in Sydney, helped her build confidence in navigating complex technical environments.
As her career progressed, she continued to pursue roles that stretched her skills, moving from enhancing system capabilities to leading cloud migration work. Each transition expanded her technical depth and perspective, setting the stage for her eventual move into a global leadership role.
Two years ago, Zen became a team lead in Macquarie’s global post-trade technology program, overseeing the ‘Ops Workstation’ project designed to enhance efficiency and scalability.
Every move I've made has introduced me to a different tech stack. So, I'm always learning something new.”
Despite working across different locations, roles, and projects, Zen says Macquarie’s positive culture and support for people’s interests have always remained constant.
“If you have a learning mindset and own your career, Macquarie will help you achieve your goals.” she says. “You just need to be open-minded and take on the challenge.”
As her work evolved, Zen saw how strongly the Manila office embraces innovation. “People are encouraged to speak up about potential ideas and given time to bring them to life,” she says. “You are given the agency to explore different tools, delivering value to your teams and stakeholders while developing new skills.”
Guided by this mindset, she continues to lead and scale the Ops Workstation initiative from Manila. “Being the lead for Workstation means I wear many hats, from gathering requirements to working with the team on tech solutions or resolving issues,” she says.
Her background as a Developer helps her bridge the gap between stakeholder needs and technical solutions.
“It’s exciting for us to have ownership of such an important project for Macquarie,” Zen adds. “We designed and built the platform here in Manila, and it’s now used globally to enable greater efficiency and scalability.”
Zen and her team celebrating milestones together
Zen’s passion for learning extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. In 2024, she volunteered for a program that trained colleagues across the business in data tools.
“Our job was to help people upskill in tech,” Zen says. “It was a fun and collaborative experience that allowed me to share my knowledge and help others grow.”
She also encourages her team members to raise their hands for new initiatives or explore different ways of working - something she says is strongly supported by Macquarie’s broader culture.
“I really enjoy the variety of my role as a senior manager. I appreciate that I’m still working closely with tech, and I hope I can continue to learn more,” she says.
Operational excellence is what keeps Macquarie moving, and Cielo has spent the past decade making sure Manila delivers on that core value through transformation and collaboration.
Cielo joined Macquarie’s Manila office in 2015 as an Operations Manager in the Counterparty Lifecycle Management (CLM) team under Market Operations. Over the past ten years, she has built her capabilities and broadened her skillset in Macquarie’s unique environment.
“Macquarie has an open and supportive culture where you can share ideas, thoughts and concerns,” Cielo explains. “It’s a place where you constantly learn and challenge yourself - a cycle of growing, learning and giving back.”
Cielo’s career began in film and TV production after graduating with a BA in Communications, before she transitioned into finance. While it was a major shift, she says her communications background has been a constant advantage - sharpening her ability to build relationships, listen to stakeholders and translate complex needs into practical solutions.
That foundation shaped her approach when she joined Macquarie’s Manila office in 2015. Since then, her career has been marked by continuous growth: after starting as an Operations Manager in CLM, she moved into a senior manager role focused on transformation and change management, leading initiatives that simplified processes and strengthened regulatory compliance. In 2022, she became a Product Owner, overseeing the roadmap and delivery of changes across various CLM platforms.
Her work includes initiatives such as migrating a counterparty system to a new platform. “Day to day, I engage with stakeholders globally and in Manila to plan changes, prioritise impact, and then focus on execution,” she explains.
What I enjoy most about my role is working with teams across Manila and our global offices to make change happen. Seeing ideas turn into real improvements for our stakeholders is incredibly rewarding.”
More recently, Cielo transitioned to the Commodities and Global Markets (CGM) business, joining the Client Fulfilment team - a key unit established under CGM’s Client Grow and Evolve Strategy. She now serves as the team’s Global Business Manager and leads Client Fulfilment in Manila, the team’s largest site by headcount.
For Cielo, growth means embracing challenges that spark learning and create meaningful impact. “I tend to say ‘yes’ when opportunities come up because you never know where they will lead,” she says.
“Macquarie supports you in gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence you need. It’s an organisation that values both the professional and the personal, offering a diverse environment with open communication and a great culture.”
Cielo with colleagues at the Senior Leadership Program.
Reflecting on her experiences, from leadership training in Singapore to change projects in Sydney, she adds: “These opportunities have broadened my perspective and helped me reflect on how I can contribute meaningfully to Macquarie’s goals.”
Cielo values Macquarie’s flexibility, which has helped her balance two periods of parental leave and family priorities. “I work full-time and across time-zones, so I keep a flexible schedule that enables me to be there for my family while delivering my best at work.” she says. “It allows me to be there for my family while delivering my best at work.”
She also enjoys being a member of the Families & Carers Employee Network Group in Manila and has had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of community giving and volunteering initiatives. “It’s uncommon to find an organisation with such a strong, grassroots approach to giving back,” she says. “I’m proud to be part of a company that truly empowers people to lead those efforts.”
Her people‑first approach also shapes the way she leads her team. “As a leader, I am most proud of empowering my team to bring their ideas forward and take ownership of delivering them, which has strengthened both engagement and continuous improvement,” she says, crediting her global teams across Sydney, London and Manila for providing inspiration.
Looking ahead, Cielo is excited about what’s next. “There is always something new around the corner - a different challenge - and I know it will be exciting and that I’ll be supported.”
Cielo celebrating with colleagues at an employee event in Manila.
Known for her leadership and passion for developing talent, Ethel has been with Macquarie’s Manila office for 13 years.
“It’s fulfilling to see others succeed and help them reach their full potential,” she says. “Manila adds value to the organisation globally, and we’re always looking for ways to elevate our role and upskill our people.”
She enjoys expanding knowledge and helping others step into leadership roles.
Of all the work environments she has experienced, Ethel says Macquarie stands out as dynamic and empowering.
“Macquarie creates an environment where you can seize opportunities,” she explains. “We take pride in our people and culture, it’s something we value deeply and something that sets us apart.”
Ethel earned her undergraduate degree in accounting and spent six years at an energy company before joining Macquarie’s Energy Markets Settlements team in 2013.
“I was part of the original team and helped establish processes in Manila,” she says. “I’ve stayed in the same team, but I’ve grown my career thanks to Macquarie’s supportive leaders and inclusive culture.”
Today, as an Associate Director for the Commodities, Markets and Finance (CMF) Operations team in the Corporate Operations Group (COG), Ethel is proud of how her team has strengthened its global presence.
“We’ve built trust with stakeholders and moved from being an offshore support role to genuine partners,” she says. “Everything we do aligns with Macquarie’s broader strategy, so our work has a real impact on the organisation’s future.”
In her current role, Ethel manages 29 people across three business-facing teams.
“As an Associate Director, I help influence and steer decisions,” she says. “It’s about managing my teams and contributing to global initiatives aligned with the COG strategy.”
She lists communication, resilience and risk management as the skills she uses every day.
“My responsibility is to ensure we stay aligned with global initiatives, collaborate effectively and deliver business outcomes,” she says.
Beyond her day job, Ethel contributes through additional coordination roles. She is part of the COG Community Crew, which promotes Macquarie’s AI tools - something she says helps her expand her knowledge.
She also led the Manila Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, implementing a structured engagement plan. As COG Champion, she helped strengthen culture initiatives across Asia, maintaining the region’s highest global engagement scores.
You drive your own career at Macquarie. There are so many opportunities, you just need to be open about where you want to be.”
Ethel leading a session on leveraging AI in the workplace.
Ethel and colleagues attending an industry discussion on AI adoption.
Ethel values Macquarie’s flexible work culture, especially as her role spans multiple time zones.
“In Manila we support many global locations, so I sometimes have meetings outside my time zone, but I can manage my day creatively,” she says.
This flexibility allows her to balance her responsibilities as a carer with her career and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“Macquarie provides strong support for wellbeing,” she says. “Senior leadership is accessible, and open communication is encouraged at every level.”
