M. Bilal Rana
About M. Bilal Rana
M. Bilal Rana is a Portfolio Associate at Acumen, with a background in finance and development economics. He has held various roles in banking, research, and consulting, contributing to projects focused on financial inclusion and business transformation.
Current Role at Acumen
M. Bilal Rana serves as a Portfolio Associate at Acumen, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is involved in managing and supporting various projects that align with Acumen's mission of tackling poverty through sustainable business solutions. His responsibilities include analyzing portfolio performance and contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at financial inclusion and business transformation.
Education and Expertise
M. Bilal Rana has a diverse educational background. He completed his Master's degree in Development Economics and International Development at the American University School of International Service from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he earned a BSc Hons in Accounting & Finance from Lahore University of Management Sciences from 2013 to 2017. He also studied Risk Management, Banking & Finance, and Consumer Behavior at Stephen F. Austin State University during the Fall Semester of 2016. His academic training equips him with skills in data analytics, financial analysis, and project management.
Professional Background
M. Bilal Rana has accumulated significant professional experience across various roles. He started his career as a Management Trainee Officer at HBL - Habib Bank Limited, where he worked as a Product Manager from 2017 to 2020. His earlier positions include roles as a Research Assistant at Pakistan Microfinance Network and Toyota Motor Corporation, as well as an Audit Intern at KPMG. He also gained experience at the Asian Development Bank as a Consultant in 2020. His diverse background spans finance, research, and project management.
Internships and Early Experience
M. Bilal Rana has engaged in various internships that contributed to his professional development. He interned at Pakistan Customs in 2015, where he worked in the Customs Division for two months. He also completed an internship at Lahore University of Management Sciences in 2016, serving as a Teaching Assistant for four months. His early experiences provided him with foundational skills in research methods and financial analysis.
Skills and Specializations
M. Bilal Rana possesses a range of skills relevant to his roles in finance and development. He is skilled in data analytics and visualization, which aids in effective decision-making and reporting. His expertise extends to research methods, financial analysis, monitoring and evaluation, project management, and report writing. These skills enable him to contribute effectively to projects focused on financial inclusion and business transformation.