Rauf is a seasoned banker with 20+ years of international experience in fundraising, strategic planning and budgeting,
consumer, micro and corporate lending, network management, lobbying and relationship management with government officials in emerging markets.
Previously, Rauf was the Deputy CEO and Board Member of DemirBank, Azerbaijan's leading private commercial bank; Chairman of the Steering Committee of Azerbaijan's first Private Credit Bureau and setting up a prudent governance structure with IFC and World Bank Group; Vice President - Finance at Akkord - Azerbaijan's leading construction company; the Country Officer for Azerbaijan and Central Asia for International Finance Corporation (IFC); Advisor to the Chairman of Supervisory Board (on credit risks) for AGBank
Rauf has significant transaction experience and successful relationship management with leading international development institutions such as International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), German Investment Corporation (DEG) and the Dutch Development Bank (FMO).
Rauf holds a Sloan Master's in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School, a Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from Azerbaijan State University of Economics, a Bachelor's degree in Law from Azerbaijan International University, and a Bachelor's degree in International Law and Social Sciences from Khazar University.