Prior to the World Bank’s Annual Spring Meeting, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. was pleased to announce that David Rubenstein interviewed Ajay Banga, President of World Bank Group. The in-person breakfast was held on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Ajay Banga began his five-year term as the 14th President of the World Bank Group in 2023. Prior to this role, Banga had a distinguished career as a global leader in finance and technology. Most recently, he served as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic and previously the President and CEO of Mastercard, leading the company through a strategic, technological and cultural transformation. Banga served as Honorary Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce and held board positions with the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc. He co-founded The Cyber Readiness Institute and was a founding trustee of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, such as the Foreign Policy Association Medal, the Padma Shri Award by the President of India, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star.
The World Bank Group operates in over 170 countries. It drives economic growth and job creation by strengthening the private sector in emerging markets—bringing stability and opportunity to communities worldwide. Through its five institutions, it combines affordable financing with deep expertise to deliver solutions at scale for both public and private sector development challenges.
