Stephen Rasmussen

Stephen Rasmussen

Microfinance Lead Specialist

Stephen Rasmussen leads the Technology Program at CGAP, a global microfinance resource center housed at the World Bank, and has more than 25 years of experience in microfinance leadership. The Technology Program at CGAP works to expand financial services for the poor using mobile phones and other technologies and is co-funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CGAP, and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). Prior to CGAP, Stephen was the World Bank’s microfinance focal point for South Asia as well as the IFC’s nominee Director on the boards of two microfinance banks. From 2001-2008 he was the CEO of the Pakistan Microfinance Network. From 1994-2003 he headed the Aga Khan Rural Support Program, a large rural development program in northern Pakistan, where he also helped establish First MicroFinanceBank, the first microfinance bank in Pakistan.