Rafael Lara

Finance and data analytics professional with 3+ years of experience supporting institutional clients in ESG and financial data environments. Former ESG Client Coverage Analyst at MSCI, where I managed U.S. institutional portfolios, led large-scale platform migrations, and partnered cross-functionally with Product, Data, and Sales teams to deliver actionable insights and drive client retention. Currently completing an MSc in Financial Data Analytics with Distinction at the University of Sussex, with strong skills in Python, financial analysis, and ESG investing. Bilingual English/Spanish, highly analytical, and motivated to build a career at the intersection of finance, data, and sustainability.

ESG and financial data professional with over three years of experience at MSCI supporting institutional asset managers and pension funds. Managed U.S. West Coast client portfolios, delivering ESG data solutions, client onboarding, and platform training while resolving complex data and methodology issues. Led a large-scale client migration to a new data delivery platform and worked cross-functionally with Product, Data, Operations, and Sales teams to improve client adoption, retention, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Currently completing an MSc in Financial Data Analytics (Distinction) at the University of Sussex, with a strong focus on financial modelling, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making in finance. Coursework includes Financial Mathematics, Machine Learning, Portfolio Analysis, and Computing for Data Analytics, with hands-on experience using Python, R, and quantitative methods to analyse financial markets and ESG-related datasets. This academic training strengthens my ability to translate complex data into practical insights for financial and investment-focused roles.