Citi Group in Washington, DC, Eva Wanjiku-Otieno provides sovereign risk assessments across emerging and frontier markets, helping guide capital allocation across global operations spanning about 180 countries. Her insights support decisions involving a sovereign portfolio worth more than US$500 billion.
She describes herself as a banker with a philanthropic heart — a combination that has shaped a career built around connecting capital, talent and opportunity.
A self-taught avid swimmer, she learnt early in life to pursue everything she wanted with verve. “I remember teaching myself how to swim in the ocean as a young girl because I really wanted to acquire the skill.”
Her journey to the top began at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kiambu.
"I chose actuarial science—one of the most demanding courses because I believed it would stretch my potential and open doors."
“I chose actuarial science—one of the most demanding courses because I believed it would stretch my potential and open doors.” She graduated with First Class Honours, earning a place in Standard Chartered’s highly competitive International Graduate Programme.
At Standard Chartered, Eva gained global exposure across Asian and UK markets, eventually working as a fixed income and currency strategist focused on emerging markets.
Beyond banking, Eva has pursued a strong social impact agenda.
She co-founded Filamujuani Foundation in 2010, a social enterprise that equips young people with practical digital skills in photography, videography and social media. The organisation received support from the Mastercard Foundation to train about 1,000 young Kenyans.
She continues to mentor young people through the foundation, the Scouts movement and other community platforms. Recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2022, Eva believes success is built through consistency.
— Ndugu Abisai