The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance and credit enhancement arm of the World Bank Group, has appointed Karin Finkelston as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

In her new role, Finkelston will oversee MIGA operations and handle a number of cross-cutting corporate initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, Finkelston said: "The World Bank Group's private-sector institutions, MIGA and IFC, fill a gap that is unmet by the market. I look forward to helping MIGA unlock new opportunities and expand its impact in emerging markets."

Prior to MIGA, Finkelston was Vice President for Global Partnerships at the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC), where she led efforts with government and private partners to create high-impact business opportunities.

She also served as IFC's Vice President for Asia Pacific, Director East Asia Pacific, and Country Manager for China and Mongolia.

At IFC, she grew the China business in the early 2000s—investing with local entrepreneurs and banks—and also led expansion in Asia's frontier countries. Finkelston joined IFC as an Investment Officer in 1996.

Before IFC, Finkelston was a Vice President at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in Hong Kong after having started her career in New York.

Keiko Honda, MIGA's Executive Vice President and CEO, said: "MIGA stands to benefit from Karin's insights and experience catalyzing private enterprises and boosting investment in places that need it most."