Elena Palei

Elena Palei is Sector Manager for Infrastructure — Transport, Water and Sanitation, and Telecom at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance and credit enhancement arm of the World Bank Group. Elena has been with MIGA since 2000 and has extensive experience structuring and closing complex and challenging transactions worldwide, and managing relationships with a broad range of banking and corporate clients and governments.

In her previous role as a Regional Head of Europe she was responsible for overseeing business development and client service in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Previously, as Senior Underwriter, she led MIGA teams for a number of award-winning project finance and trade finance transactions and assisted clients with risk management solutions through guarantees and structuring advice. She brings with her global knowledge of emerging-market risks and risk mitigation instruments.

Prior to joining MIGA, Palei worked for PFC Energy, an advisory firm specializing in customized financial and managerial services to leading energy companies. At PFC Energy, she counseled energy companies on acquisitions, restructuring, selection of new business partners, and pursuing opportunities in emerging markets.

Palei holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Moscow State University and a master’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.