Ilan Goldfajn

Ilan Goldfajn is an economist and president of the Inter-American Development Bank, where he leads the institution’s mission to foster sustainable growth, climate resilience, and social equity across Latin America and the Caribbean. Elected to this role following a period of organizational turbulence, Goldfajn has been credited with restoring stability and trust at the bank while launching a reform agenda aimed at increasing the institution’s effectiveness and impact in the region. His leadership is characterized by a pragmatic approach to consensus-building, navigating complex political landscapes and uniting diverse stakeholders behind shared development goals.

Goldfajn’s career includes positions in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as governor of the Central Bank of Brazil, where he oversaw a period of declining inflation and interest rates, promoted financial innovation, and supported greater inclusion through digitalization and regulatory reforms. His tenure earned recognition, including being named Central Banker of the Year by The Banker magazine and Best Central Banker by Global Finance magazine. Goldfajn also served as director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund, where he contributed to policy responses to regional challenges and advanced climate-related financial initiatives.

Goldfajn is recognized for his expertise in economic policy, financial sector innovation, and international development. He has been featured at major conferences and in media interviews, sharing insights on development finance and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Goldfajn’s experience in institutional reform and crisis management highlights his role in global economics and development.