Siegfried Zottel is a Senior Financial Sector Specialist in the World Bank’s Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice in the Africa Central and Western Region. As one of the regional financial inclusion focal points, he leads and supports advisory and investment operations, including digital financial services and fintech, digital transformation, digitizing cash transfers, and women’s economic empowerment. Siegfried joined the World Bank in 2011 and worked in the Financial Inclusion and Access team until 2017, where he spearheaded and contributed to a growing financial capability and consumer protection work stream. Previously, Siegfried worked in the Economic Policy and Analysis Division of the Austrian Central Bank. Siegfried has published a plethora of technical notes, reports, and policy research papers on a range of financial inclusion topics. Siegfried holds graduate degrees in Economics and International Development Studies.