Rafael Pardo is a Financial Sector Specialist with the Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice of the World Bank Group’s Western and Central Africa Region. In this role, he advises client countries on financial and private sector reform, with a focus on topics such as banking sector competition and inclusion, capital markets, and state-owned financial institutions. Rafael has also participated in several Financial Sector Assessment Programs (FSAPs). In addition to his work in Western and Central Africa, Rafael has regional expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Europe and Central Asia. Prior to joining the World Bank, Rafael worked as an Equities Trader at Ixe, a Cash Management Officer at Citibank, and a Senior Financial Entities Consultant at DMR Consulting. Rafael holds a Master's degree in commerce and finance from Georgetown University.