CEO Insights Magazine

The financial industry plays a fundamental role in driving economic growth, offering stability, and supporting a wide array of sectors, from individuals and businesses to entire governments. By providing a comprehensive framework for managing risk, capital, and resources, the industry helps ensure that economies continue to function smoothly. Financial leaders are at the heart of this process, steering organizations through complex challenges while fostering trust, innovation, and collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and investors. Their ability to uphold integrity and ethical standards is paramount, as it ensures long-term relationships built on transparency and reliability. Moreover, finance leaders must continuously adapt to shifting market dynamics and technological advancements, making agility and forwardthinking key traits in successfully navigating this ever evolving sector.

Arnulfo H. Divina, President of Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency, exemplifies the qualities of a seasoned leader in the financial industry. Known in the industry as  Arnold, his expertise and vision have helped shape Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency into one of the fastest-growing insurance intermediaries in the country. Under his leadership, the company has gained significant market confidence, driven by its reputation for delivering exceptional service and innovative financial solutions. Arnold's strategic direction, which emphasizes strong client relationships, high ethical standards, and adaptability to changing industry conditions, has been central to Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency's continued growth. As the company continues to expand, Arnold's leadership remains a driving force behind its success, cementing Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency's place as a major player in the financial landscape.

In a close interview with us, Arnold shared with us his professional journey, plans and his secret to success.  Can you share about Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency and the key lessons that shaped you as a leader in this industry? Over the past 25 years, Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency has grown from humble beginnings into a leading player in the industry. We started in 2001 as a sole proprietorship, with a modest first premium production of $10, and eventually transitioned into a corporation. Today, we boast a $12 million premium production, a level typically seen in mid-sized insurance companies in the Philippines. The journey to this success wasn’t an overnight achievement, it’s been a path marked by challenges, rewards, and invaluable lessons that have shaped my evolution as both a professional and a leader in the financial sector. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life, from individuals to large corporations, each presenting unique challenges. Managing complex accounts and leading my team through high-stakes situations taught me the importance of precision, empathy, and proactive problem-solving. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the power of education, both for my team and my clients. I make it a priority to ensure that everyone understands the complexities of financial products, empowering them to make informed decisions. Although I initially pursued an aerospace engineering background, my transition into the financial industry taught me the importance of active listening and tailoring solutions to meet each client’s needs, which are principles that remain at the heart of Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency's approach today. Building strong teams has always been a priority for me. By encouraging continuous learning and empowering team members to make critical decisions, I’ve created an environment built on trust and collaboration.

 During the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, when many businesses struggled, Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency saw a surprising 200 percent growth in sales, proving the strength of our adaptable approach. This success came from not only responding to changing client and provider needs but also embracing new technologies and strategies when necessary, without ever losing sight of our long-term goals. As I reflect on the last 25 years, my leadership philosophy is rooted in a client-first mindset, a passion for team development, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. These values will continue to guide Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency as we pursue sustainable growth and even greater success in the future.

How have you guided Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency in shaping its strategic direction? At Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency, our strategic direction focuses on sustainable growth, strong market presence, and consistent client satisfaction, which are driven by two key pillars. First, we prioritize client-centric growth by deeply understanding and addressing client needs, ensuring their happiness, which ultimately benefits our insurance partners and secures our industry position for the long term. Second, we build strong partnerships with reputable insurance providers, enabling us to offer competitive rates, unique coverage options, and comprehensive support. These strategies have established a solid foundation for success, positioning Paragon Financial & Insurance Agency as a trusted, forward-thinking agency that evolves with client needs and industry trends. How do you select providers for your products and services to meet your client's specific needs? What key areas have you expanded in the company’s operations and core product portfolio so far? Identifying product providers for our services is centred on thoroughly understanding our client's unique needs. This process begins with a detailed assessment of their financial and insurance requirements, factoring in risk tolerance, longterm goals, and specific preferences. Based on this analysis, we partner with reputable providers whose offerings align with these needs, ensuring they meet high standards for reliability, coverage, and value. For example, New India Assurance, one of our trusted providers for years, recently exited the Philippines due to new regulatory capital requirements. Another notable partner is the Global Benefits Group of California, with a service office in Hyderabad, India. Our key provider for non-life requirements is Prudential Guarantee and Assurance while for life and health, we have United Coconut Planters Life Assurance (Cocolife). We continually evaluate emerging providers and monitor their performance to offer the best and most relevant options to our clients. In terms of expansion, we’ve diversified our core insurance offerings by including more specialized coverage options to cater to a broader range of client needs. What distinguishes your leadership within the industry? What principles or methodologies do you adhere to as a leader?​ My leadership is defined by personal mentorship, particularly with my team, as I focus on preparing them for future leadership roles. I work closely with my officers, helping them develop their skills and guiding them through complex decisionmaking processes to ensure they are confident and empowered to address client needs. I also emphasize collaborative client solutions, directly engaging with challenging clients to create customized strategies, and encouraging my team to brainstorm and align solutions with client needs. Leading by example, I promote best practices in client interactions, needs assessment, and tailored solutions, while upholding the highest standards of service, communication, and integrity. Our commitment to delivering on promises reflects our company’s name, Paragon, which stands for excellence in everything we do. What is your plan for the next five years in terms of your personal and professional roadmap? In the next five years, we aim to increase our premium production from the $10 premium we started with in 2001 to around 1 to 2 billion pesos, which is approximately $20 million. We plan to achieve this growth by expanding our reach, particularly to the neighbouring areas of Manila. This will be accomplished by continuously improving our sales team and embracing innovation and technology. Additionally, we are looking into incorporating digital trends into our business to support and enhance our sales team's efforts. What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the financial industry? My advice to upcoming leaders in the financial industry is rooted in the importance of trust and client satisfaction. While every leader has their unique style, I believe that ensuring clients are happy with your services should be the top priority. The financial industry, especially insurance, is built on trust and confidence. If your company or team lacks trust, no one will rely on you. Integrity is crucial, and when you make a promise, you must deliver. If you ensure your policies meet clients' expectations, especially in times of loss, they will remain loyal, and satisfied clients will naturally become advocates for your company.