Declan Duff is Vice President responsible for the Europe and Central Asia regions, as well as for IFC’s Part I European offices in addition to the real sector industry departments. Prior to that he was Vice President, Industries and a member of IFC’s Management Group.

He is responsible for IFC’s new investment activities in all designated regions and real sector industries worldwide. He also heads the Municipal Fund, a pilot program for the World Bank Group to finance subnational borrowers. The team is developing new approaches for the direct financing of municipal, state, and other subnational clients.

Previously Mr. Duff directed the Global Financial Markets Department. IFC gives high priority to the building of local financial institutions, development of local debt and equity markets, and introduction of new financing instruments. IFC’s investment in the financial sector accounts for more than a third of our total business and includes banking, leasing, housing finance, insurance, microfinance, and securities markets. Technical assistance, advisory services, and corporate governance complement these activities.

Until April 2003 he was Director of IFC’s Infrastructure Department, which provides advice and financing to a wide range of infrastructure projects. He has also been involved in a variety of advisory and investment-related activities, including heading IFC’s business in a number of Asian countries. He was at the forefront of the creation of the advisory team and subsequently of IFC’s infrastructure activities. Previously he spent 10 years with Mellon Bank heading international credit policy and later as Vice President and head of business development for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.