ISLAMABAD: Pakistani banker Amena Arif has been appointed as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) country manager for the Philippines, making her one of the few Pakistanis to hold a leadership role in the global financial institution. She succeeds Jean-Marc Arbogast, who has transitioned to a new position as the World Bank Group’s country manager for Chile.
In her new role, Amena will drive private sector investments to boost economic development, promote financial inclusion, and address climate change challenges in the Philippines. Expressing her enthusiasm, she emphasized IFC’s commitment to working with local partners to create job opportunities, support businesses, and expand digital access.
Amena joined IFC in 2012 following an accomplished career in international commercial banking, where she managed debt and equity investments in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. Previously, she served as IFC’s country manager for East Africa, based in Nairobi, and held the same role for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
A graduate of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Amena brings extensive expertise in financial sector investments and development finance.
The IFC, the World Bank Group’s private-sector financing arm, is the largest global institution focused on private sector growth in emerging economies. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing nations, leveraging private capital to drive sustainable economic progress.