Cebuana Lhuillier earned top honors at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with multiple 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 breakthrough initiatives in entrepreneurship development, digital financial education, and leadership.
“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 growth
Jean Henri’s Silver Stevie® for Thought Leader of the Year recognizes his transformation of Cebuana Lhuillier into the Philippines’ largest micro-financial services provider. From a single pawnshop, he built an ecosystem empowering over 27 million Filipinos through bridge financing, micro-savings, insurance, business support via KaNegosyo Center, and investment opportunities.
His TechBrick strategy merges 3,500+ physical branches with digital platforms like eCebuana app and AI tools. This hybrid model ensures accessibility nationwide, while remittance services connect Filipinos to over 3 million payout locations worldwide.
Money Guro: Digital financial education movement
Silver Stevie® winner Money Guro uses story-driven videos across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to deliver practical financial education. Since January 2024, it has grown to 1.17 million followers with 39 million Facebook views and 55 million TikTok views. Featuring 236 episodes across formats like “May Tanong?” and “JHL Tips,” Money Guro transforms complex finance topics into empowering daily habits.
KaNegosyo Center: Democratizing business ownership
Gold Stevie® winner KaNegosyo Center (KNC) addresses MSMEs—99.5% of Philippine businesses—by removing barriers to capital, training, and compliance. Through bundles like “Simula” and “Paglago,” KNC has empowered over 1 million entrepreneurs since June 2023, generating 31+ million coaching module views and building a 900,000-member community across 82 provinces.
Operating online and through Cebuana Lhuillier branches, KNC provides business coaching, tax assistance, financing access, and government service connections via DTI, TESDA, and BIR partnerships.
“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.
