Rafael is an international deal-maker with two decades of investment banking experience and currently serves as Head of Credit Risk Solutions for Latin America at Mizuho Americas.  He has held roles at prestigious firms such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Credit Suisse, originating over US$10 billion in debt transactions for sovereign, corporate, and financial clients globally.

A specialist in origination, distribution, and credit risk management, Rafael is passionate about supporting and developing start-ups across Latin America and the Caribbean. His long-standing involvement with NiQuan’s Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) project has given him deep insight into the complexities of financing large-scale energy ventures.

An innovative and business-oriented professional, Rafael holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, alongside Advanced Management Studies from Columbia Business School, and a B.A. in International Affairs from El Colegio de México.

Committed to social welfare and economic development, Rafael has also volunteered since 2016 at SportsBuddies in Connecticut, an athletic program for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.