Ann Miles, Director of Financial Inclusion, Appointed to CGAP Executive Committee

TORONTO, June 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The MasterCard Foundation announced today that Ann Miles, Director of Financial Inclusion, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), a global partnership of leading donor organizations working to advance financial inclusion for the world's poor.

Her appointment is effective July 1, 2014.

At the Foundation, Ann leads a team of development and finance professionals committed to enabling economically disadvantaged people to have access to the financial products and services they need to move out of poverty and build prosperity.

"Ann's many years of experience in this sector will be extremely valuable to the Executive Committee, which offers oversight and guidance for our work in advancing financial inclusion," said CGAP CEO Tilman Ehrbeck.

Ann has over 14 years of experience in the microfinance sector, both in the private and public sector. Before joining The MasterCard Foundation, Ann was a Managing Director at BlueOrchard Finance, a for-profit asset management company based in Geneva, Switzerland, which specializes in microfinance commercial debt and equity investments. Prior to that, she managed the Capital Market team at Women's World Banking, a not-for-profit network of more than 50 financial institutions engaged in microfinance.

Ann has also spearheaded the formation of several industry initiatives, including the Microfinance Club of New York (MFCNY) and Women Advancing Microfinance International (WAM).

"It's an exciting time to be joining CGAP, which has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion to improve the lives of the poor," said Miles. "I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute further to the organization's work."

About CGAP
CGAP (the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is a global partnership of 34 leading organizations that seek to advance financial inclusion. CGAP develops innovative solutions through practical research and active engagement with financial service providers, policy makers, and funders to enable approaches at scale. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP combines a pragmatic approach to responsible market development with an evidence-based advocacy platform to increase access to the financial services the poor need to improve their lives.

About The MasterCard Foundation
The MasterCard Foundation is an independent, global organization based in Toronto, Canada, with approximately $9 billion in assets. Through collaboration with partner organizations in 46 countries, it is creating opportunities for all people to learn and prosper. The Foundation's programs promote financial inclusion and advance youth learning, mostly in Africa. Established in 2006 through the generosity of MasterCard Worldwide when it became a public company, the Foundation is separate and independent from the company. Its policies, operations and funding decisions are determined by its own Foundation Board of Directors and President and CEO. For more information, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org

For further information, please contact:
Roger Morier
The MasterCard Foundation
[phone]
[email protected]

SOURCE: The MasterCard Foundation

http://www.mastercardfdn.org