Mercedes Vela Monserrate is the CEO of the Global Climate Finance Centre, where she leads efforts to mobilize private capital at scale into energy transition, climate-related infrastructure, and emerging market investment opportunities. Prior to GCFC, Mercedes led Finance Sector Partnerships at COP28, playing a central role in shaping international engagement with financial institutions around energy transition and infrastructure financing. She also previously served as head of sustainable finance at Abu Dhabi Global Market. Mercedes also held senior roles at Morgan Stanley, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, and the European Parliament.