Irina Ignatieva is a highly experienced manager, consultant, and trainer in financial inclusion and microfinance, with a rich background in various leadership roles across four continents and over 30 countries.

She holds an EMBA from the Stockholm School of Economics and has a diverse educational background, including an MA in Linguistics from St. Petersburg University, studies in Accounting, and Human Resource Management.

Throughout her career, Irina has held key positions such as International Development Programme Manager at the Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation, Chief Executive Officer at Agora Microfinance Zambia Ltd, and various board member roles in microfinance institutions.

Her expertise spans setting up new organizations, project design and management, business planning, financial management, human resource management, and implementing innovative solutions to strengthen organizations.

Irina Ignatieva has also served as a Microfinance and Markets Adviser at Concern Worldwide, Senior Trainer and Consultant at the Microfinance Centre for Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States, and held roles at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Center for Citizen Initiatives.