An Interview with a Finance Leader
by Rebecca Bannister
Gala Ceremony at the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague, Czech Republic where Charina was recognized as the 2023 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World™ by the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network.
Charina Amunategui stands as a powerhouse in the finance industry, with over two decades of experience marked by resilience, determination, and consistent success. Currently, she serves as Executive Director of Fund Finance Business Execution at MUFG Investor Services, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group—one of the largest financial institutions in the world. Charina recently added to her impressive academic achievements by earning an MBA from the prestigious Yale School of Management, complementing her Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Waterloo, Canada.
In 2023, Charina’s impact as a trailblazing Filipina leader was recognized when she received the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award™ from the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network. Her dedication to her cultural roots shone brightly when she was named Grand Marshal at the 2024 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, a testament to her deep connection to the Filipino community. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Charina is passionate about mentoring and promoting diversity in finance, serving as an active speaker and mentor with 100 Women in Finance.
Beyond her work in the financial world, Charina is dedicated to empowering young women. She serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Inspiring Girls USA, where her leadership and mentorship are invaluable to our mission.
As a Young Ambassador for Inspiring Girls USA, I had the privilege of interviewing Charina, gaining insights into her inspiring journey, the role models who have influenced her, and how she expertly balances the demands of her career with her personal life.
Q: What role models have guided you on your management and leadership journey?
A: One of my key role models has been Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Global Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley and a Senior Client Advisor. Carla’s career is an inspiring example of a woman of color rising to leadership at a major financial institution, where she’s worked for over three decades. She’s held a variety of impactful roles, from leading the equity capital markets effort to co-heading Morgan Stanley’s Multicultural Innovation Lab, which fosters diversity and innovation in finance. Her leadership was recognized when President Obama appointed her to chair the National Women's Business Council in 2013.
What truly stands out about Carla is her authenticity and commitment to sharing her knowledge. She’s an eloquent speaker who commands any room, whether discussing leadership, diversity, or her experiences. Her presence and voice inspire people across industries. She’s also a best-selling author and frequently shares her insights through her books and social media platforms, where she speaks about leadership and navigating corporate spaces with integrity.
Her ability to lead, mentor, and stay authentic has had a profound influence on me. She not only drives decisions that create significant impact but does so in a way that uplifts others around her. She represents everything I aspire to be: a high-ranking leader who balances career success with mentorship and giving back to the community.
Q: What skills do you demonstrate daily that set you apart from others around you?
A: Discipline and commitment are at the heart of everything I do. Taking action, executing on plans, and moving forward are critical to my success. There will always be people smarter or more proficient in a particular area, but what sets me apart is that I get things done. I’m highly organized and detail-oriented, and once I make a plan, I follow through with it. This applies to every area of my life. For example, I work out every day—not because it’s always convenient, but because I’m committed to my well-being. Even on days when waking up early feels difficult, I do it because it aligns with my long-term goals.
I also believe in being intentional about the people I surround myself with. When I see someone excel in an area I admire, I make a point to reach out to them. Most people appreciate hearing positive feedback, and it helps create a foundation for meaningful relationships. I’m particularly focused on connecting with women who inspire me because I believe the company you keep shapes who you become. I prioritize building strong, supportive friendships that enrich both my personal and professional life.
2024 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City along Madison Avenue.
Q: How do you manage work, school, culture, and connections without getting burnt out?
A: The key is setting clear priorities and staying committed to them. Without prioritization, life can pull you in multiple directions, leaving you feeling scattered and overwhelmed. For me, fitness is non-negotiable—it’s essential for maintaining my mental health and agility. That’s why I start each day by going to the gym and lifting weights. It gives me the energy and focus I need for the rest of my day.
For the past two years, my top priority has been pursuing my Executive MBA at Yale School of Management. Investing in my personal growth and future was critical, so I dedicated my evenings after work and weekends to studying. Socializing with friends sometimes had to take a back seat, and I was okay with that because I knew what mattered most in the moment. You can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s why it’s essential to understand your priorities and allocate your time accordingly.
In my spare time, I enjoy simple pleasures like spending time with my dog, trying out new restaurants, reading, and visiting museums. It’s all about recognizing that time is finite and thoughtfully choosing how to allocate your most valuable resource.
About the Author:
Rebecca Bannister is a high school junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Granada Hills Charter in Los Angeles, California. She has been an Inspiring Girls USA Young Ambassador since 2021 and proudly represented the USA as the Global Young Ambassador with Inspiring Girls International in 2023. Rebecca teaches a free introductory Public Speaking course aimed at helping teenagers build self-confidence and communication skills. She is also part of the social media content creation team at Fave, an organization that connects passionate fans.
Recently honored with the prestigious Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Rebecca was also featured in Issue 84 of Inspiring Teen Magazine for her outstanding contributions to her community.
Rebecca is deeply passionate about politics and civic engagement, with aspirations of becoming an attorney to make a positive impact in her community. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, hosting events, and spending quality time with friends and family.