Pocholo Taga Ibarra is not just a financial expert—he’s a visionary reshaping how Asia approaches wealth, risk, and opportunity. His journey from Manila to Wall Street and back again reflects a mission to empower Filipinos and Asians through world-class financial education.
Roots in Manila, Eyes on the World
Born in Manila in 1981, Pocholo grew up in a family steeped in trade and entrepreneurship. His Spanish-Filipino heritage instilled a blend of pragmatism and global perspective. Observing the discipline and foresight that sustained generational businesses, he developed an early appreciation for strategic thinking.
After earning a Finance degree from Far Eastern University (FEU), Pocholo pursued a Master’s in International Finance at the University of California. There, he honed his understanding of global capital markets, preparing him for the challenges of high-stakes finance.
Mastering Risk on Wall Street
In 2008, Pocholo joined Morgan Stanley Investment Management on Wall Street, managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for over 800 high-net-worth clients. Navigating the volatility of the global financial crisis, he developed a proprietary investment framework that prioritized risk management while delivering consistent returns.
“Wall Street taught me that controlling risk isn’t about avoiding uncertainty—it’s about mastering it,” he says.
His disciplined approach—summarized as “protect capital first, then let it grow”—earned him trust among hedge funds, private equity firms, and influential investors worldwide.
A Return with Purpose
In 2017, Pocholo returned to the Philippines, driven by a vision to address a critical gap in the region’s financial landscape: access to knowledge. “The problem wasn’t just capital—it was understanding how to use it effectively,” he explains.
Recognizing the potential of the Philippines’ evolving markets, he set out to democratize financial education for local investors and entrepreneurs.
Building Alonaw Business School
In 2019, Pocholo founded Alonaw Business School, a platform delivering world-class investment education tailored to Asian markets. From humble online sessions, Alonaw has grown into a leading hub, serving over 10,000 students and professionals across the region. Its philosophy emphasizes:
Hands-on learning: Small, interactive classes with real-world simulations.--
Global-local integration: Combining international insights with regional realities.
Risk-first mindset: Prioritizing capital preservation before profit.
Future-ready curriculum: Incorporating AI, policy trends, and market dynamics.
Bridging Talent and Capital
Alonaw is more than a school—it’s a bridge to opportunity. Pocholo has created pathways for students and entrepreneurs to connect with family offices, private equity funds, and institutional investors, transforming education into tangible investment opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
Pocholo envisions the Philippines as a regional hub for capital and innovation, leveraging ASEAN integration, digital transformation, and green energy investments. His dual mission—investment education and capital connection—aims to empower a generation to think globally, act strategically, and invest responsibly.
A Lifelong Discipline
For Pocholo, investing is more than numbers—it’s a discipline of wisdom, foresight, and resilience. “Wealth isn’t just built to grow; it’s built to endure,” he says.
Through Alonaw, Pocholo Taga Ibarra is not only shaping the future of investment education but also redefining wealth creation in Asia—one informed decision at a time.
Media Contact
Company Name: Alonaw Business School
Email: Send Email
City: Metro Manila
Country: Philippines
Website: https://www.alonawbusinessschool.com/
