Ramón Azcunaga Asencor

Multidisciplinary international development professional with over 7 years of experience in international trade, public finance, and legal advisory. Currently based in Washington, D.C., I work with the CAE LAC team at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). My background includes previous experience as an International Trade Advisor at Basque Trade & Investment, promoting cross-border partnerships and strategic economic initiatives, as well as roles in fiscal policy at the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and legal advisory with the Basque Government

Operation Analyst at IFC (The World Bank Group) (Present)

Support the Country Advisory Latin America team at the IFC in the implementation and monitoring of advisory projects that promote private sector development and economic growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Contribute to research and analysis on barriers to private investment in the region, including regulatory constraints, governance challenges, and corruption risks.
• Prepare analytical inputs, portfolio tracking, and briefing materials to support project design, implementation, and evidence-based decision-making

International Trade Advisor at Basque Trade and Investment (2025-01 – 2025-12)

• Assist companies from the Basque Country in expanding to USA.
• Offer one-on-one advice on regulations, tariffs, customs procedures, and documentation.
• Attend industry events and assist in trade mission organization.
• Act as a liaison between government agencies and foreign investors.

Tax Specialist at Provincial Council of Biscay – Treasury (2023-09 – 2024-12)

• Check compliance with both formal and material tax obligations.
• Analyze tax risks and propose control or audit actions.
• Answer inquiries regarding tax laws, procedures, deadlines, and obligations.
• Handle and process files related to the management, inspection, and collection of taxes.

Government lawyer at Basque Government (2021-05 – 2023-09)

• Issue legal reports on draft laws, regulations, administrative procedures, and government decisions.
• Participate in the drafting and legal review of laws, decrees, and regional regulations.
• Ensure that regional legislation aligns with national, EU, and Basque legal frameworks.
• Advise on the preparation, awarding, and execution of public contracts (tenders, concessions, etc.).
• Process and resolve administrative appeals, prior claims, and disciplinary proceedings.

Financial Advisor and Banking officer at Kutxabank (2018-04 – 2020-02)

• Assist clients with banking products such as loans, credit cards, and certificates of deposit.
• Evaluate loan applications, analyze creditworthiness, and make lending recommendations.
• Offer strategies for wealth accumulation, preservation, and transfer.
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies through insurance products (life, health, disability).

Expert Program in Business Internationalization & Business Diplomacy – University of the Basque Country, University of Deusto, Mondragon University (2024-07 – 2024-12)

Program in Financial Advisory – Deusto Business School (2018-06 – 2019-07)

Master's Degree in Legal Practice – Biscay Bar Association (2017-09 – 2019-05)

Bachelor's Degree in Law (Juris Doctor equivalent) with a Diploma in Economic Specialization – University of Deusto (2012-09 – 2017-01)

Exchange Program in Law – University of Stockholm