Rebecca Ruf

Manager, Network Engagement, Women’s World Banking

Rebecca Ruf is manager of network engagement at Women’s World Banking (WWB). In this role she supports the CMG team with the origination of new commercial funding and capital markets structures to increase the supply of local currency capital to WWB network members as well as the financial analysis and due diligence related to securing new capital. Ruf also plays a critical role in delivering financial risk management trainings, investor readiness assistance, and managing WWB’s network member capital needs and international investor surveys, and monitoring WWB network member performance. Prior to joining WWB, she worked as an independent consultant for a start-up private equity fund analyzing potential microfinance equity investments and developing models for analyzing MFIs’ operational & financial performance. Ruf was also a consultant in the micro and small enterprises division at the Inter-American Development Bank. Before transitioning to microfinance, she worked for seven years in international real estate investment, including as a senior manager for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and as a senior associate for HVS International. In both capacities, she performed underwriting for potential acquisitions and dispositions, equity investments, and mezzanine financing of real estate assets in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. She is currently the co-chair of the New York chapter of WAM International (Women Advancing Microfinance). Ruf holds a Master’s degree in international development and international economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in hotel administration from Cornell University.