Francisco Barquero, PhD

Director of Microfinance

As a Ph.D. economist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Francisco combines his real-world experience with a strong grasp of the broader economic and institutional landscapes of Latin America. He's deeply committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, and climate action, and these principles are central to his work as an international microfinance specialist.

With over 25 years of experience providing strategic advice and hands-on support to microfinance organizations in the US, Canada, and Europe, Francisco has built strong partnerships with microfinance institutions, credit unions, and agricultural cooperatives across Central and South America. He's been instrumental in launching, leading, and shaping major microfinance institutions and credit unions in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and India. His focus has always been on reaching underserved communities – particularly women, indigenous groups, and micro-entrepreneurs in urban areas – through innovative lending models like solidarity and self-help groups, as well as individual loans.