Leslie Barcus manages Microfinance Opportunities’ global portfolio of financial education programs. In addition to directing the research and development of financial education products, markets and delivery channels, Leslie also regularly engages with policymakers on the broad agenda of financial literacy, especially within the context of consumer protection.

Leslie previously served as the founding president of the Microfinance Management Institute, a nonprofit created and funded by George Soros’ Open Society Institute and CGAP to foster and support a global network of microfinance educators and trainers working in 30 developing countries. Prior to that, she served as the key advisor to the Skills for Microfinance Managers program, a global CGAP initiative designed to strengthen the financial and operational management of microfinance institutions through training and technical assistance. During her 20-year career, Leslie has also
held executive-level positions at such high-profile institutions as ACCION New York and Citibank. She is an investment committee member for Conservation International’s Verde Ventures’ Small and Medium Enterprise portfolio for biodiversity conservation and a board member for Humane Society International and the Farm Sanctuary. She also served on the board of the SEEP Network.

Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Miami University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in commercial French from Georgia State University, and a Master of Arts degree in international development from American University.