Amena Arif, an accomplished Pakistani banker with extensive international experience, has been appointed as the new Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the Philippines. In this pivotal role, Arif will lead efforts to stimulate private sector investment, foster job creation, and support initiatives related to climate change and financial inclusion. These goals align with the IFC’s broader mission of driving sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Before this appointment, Arif held key positions as the IFC’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka & the Maldives and in East Africa. She has been with the IFC since 2012, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous career in commercial banking. This depth of expertise, coupled with her strong leadership in regional economic development, positions Arif to contribute significantly to the Philippines’ economic growth and resilience.
With a proven track record in shaping development policies and facilitating investment, Arif’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing the IFC’s objectives in the Philippines, including addressing key challenges related to climate change and financial inclusion. The appointment underscores IFC’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the Southeast Asian region.
In her new role, Arif is expected to collaborate closely with government agencies, businesses, and other development partners to create transformative solutions aimed at ensuring long-term prosperity for the Philippines. Her wealth of experience in managing multi-country portfolios and her strategic insights will undoubtedly make her a crucial figure in the country’s continued economic development.
