Bio

I have over 20 years global leadership experience in investments, financial markets and development finance, spanning sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa (MENA), North America, Europe and South Asia covering over 40 countries. I am a global thought-leader with impeccable networks having been responsible for the most systemic capital markets-building initiatives across Africa. I am passionate about linking finance to the most pressing developmental challenges. I am particularly dedicated to the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity conservation. At FSD Africa, where I serve as Director Capital Markets, I pioneered work on climate and conservation finance and established the organization as a respected thought-leader. I sit on the board and investment committee of the Africa Local Currency Bond Fund (ALCBF) and chair the Donor Committee of Frontclear’s Technical Assistance Facility which is at the cutting edge of money markets development in emerging markets. My team and I are also leading capital markets initiatives across 30 countries in Africa. I served as Chief Investment Officer at AIG Global Investment Group, where I managed US$1 billion assets including a total return fund that was the pioneer international investor in most African markets. At AIG I was instrumental in developing investment process capabilities in equities, fixed income and alternatives. At IFC/World Bank where I was Head, Efficient Securities Markets Institutional Development (ESMID) Africa, I participated in Financial Sector Assessment Programs (FSAPs) and provided technical assistance in capital markets projects covering government bond markets, nongovernment bond markets, equity markets, institutional investors, and corporate governance in diverse regions. I started my career at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, where I was responsible for trading and clearing and settlement (CSD). I have worked at the cutting edge of financial innovation, investing, supporting transactions and providing policy advice. I have been visiting lecturer at the University of Cape Town, written op-eds for publications such as the Financial Times and and facilitated at international conferences. I developed the first Government Bond Market Index in Kenya and a widely followed equity index. I am co-developer of Treasury Mobile Direct/M-Akiba concept to distribute government securities through mobile phones. I hold a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands, two masters (MBA, MPhil) degrees and CPA qualifications.