Author Bio
Marisela Alvarenga
With over 20 years of experience in the private sector, banking, and international organizations, Marisela Alvarenga is a prominent leader in promoting inclusion and sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), as well as driving financial innovation to contribute to development impact in the region.
Currently, Marisela Alvarenga holds the position of Chief Industries Officer at IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, where she plays a key role as a member of the Senior Management Committee. In this role, she leads a high-level strategic vision for the development and execution of the institution's commercial operations and investments. Her responsibilities range from designing investment strategies to providing financial solutions and advising clients in various sectors, including finance, corporate, infrastructure, and energy. Additionally, she oversees a multinational team of professionals and manages a significant volume of business, driving growth and sustainability in the region.
Previously, Marisela served as Managing Director and Chief of the Financial Sector Division at IDB Invest, where she actively led the commercial strategy and coverage of financial intermediaries throughout the LAC region. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to the structuring of financial instruments, securitizations, and corporate and structured financings, with a focus on green, social, and sustainable finance.
Before joining the IDB Group, she held the position of Regional Director of Corporate and Investment Business Finance at Citibank, based in El Salvador, where she served as the lead financial officer for that segment in Central America. Prior to that, she held prominent roles at Banco Cuscatlán, including Corporate Finance Manager and Financial Planning Chief.
Marisela holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from the School of Economics and Business, and a Master's in Business Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, complemented by an MBA program at the Otto Beisheim School of Management (WHU) in Germany, as well as several Diplomas in Impact Investing and Sustainable Finance from universities in the United Kingdom.
Her dedication to sustainable development and visionary leadership have made her an influential voice in promoting responsible financial practices and seeking innovative solutions to the economic and social challenges of the LAC region.
Posts by Marisela Alvarenga
Regulators & Companies Reshaping Sustainability: Which Comes First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Some companies are still expecting that regulators come up with sustainability guidelines, but others are moving fast, making a valuable contribution to a cleaner future, and reaping the benefits: new business opportunities, more stakeholder engagement and contributions to their country commitments.
The Banking Sector's Strategic Role in the Green Transition
Financial institutions have a critical role to play in the process of decarbonizing economies. Without their help, it will be impossible to finance the estimated $1.5 trillion (equivalent to 5% of the global GDP) needed to transition towards a green economy.
Financial Inclusion in the Pandemic: the Way Forward for Banks & Fintechs
It's clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has driven society to become more digital, to increase the use of electronic devices and to do almost everything online. What can we expect from traditional banking models and Fintech companies in 2021?
Financing for Women Entrepreneurs, Key for Economic Recovery
Support for the sizeable number of women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean must include a gender perspective to achieve economic recovery. This implies either specific funding or collateral programs to lower risks for financial institutions.