Racheal Animashaun B. Sc., ACA
Racheal Animashaun is an accomplished finance professional with a strong track record across investment banking, corporate finance, credit ratings, and macroeconomic research. Currently serving as an Investment Banking Summer Associate at MD Global Partners, LLC, a boutique investment bank in the United States, she brings deep expertise in financial analysis, business valuation, and due diligence. She is pursuing her MBA in Finance with a concentration in Investment Banking at the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, where she is a Forte Fellow and actively involved in the Community Impact Club and the Johnson African Business Society.
Prior to her MBA journey, Racheal held progressive roles in Nigeria's financial sector, including her most recent position as Lead, Corporate Finance and Investments at First Metro Infrastructure Limited, where she worked on financing critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos Redline Rail. She also spent nearly three years as a Financial Analyst at Agusto & Co., Nigeria’s foremost credit rating agency, conducting in-depth creditworthiness assessments of corporate and municipal entities. A Chartered Accountant (ACA) and CFA Level I holder, Racheal combines analytical rigor with a broad understanding of African economies, having worked extensively on sector and sovereign research across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to delivering value through data-driven insights and strategic financial solutions.
• Xero Advisor Certification
• Associate Chartered Accountant
• Certificate of Completion - Investment Analysis and Financial Modelling
• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
• Passed CFA Level 1
• CFA Investment Foundation Program
• Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management- M.B.A.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria
• Edubridge Academy
• Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta- B.Sc.
• Adlai Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
Racheal attributes her success to a deep commitment to community outreach—supporting vulnerable populations in Nigeria through fundraising efforts and maternal health initiatives—as well as the strong academic foundation provided by her bachelor's degree.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice Racheal has ever received is to be tenacious and always put one strong foot in front of the other, no matter the obstacles.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Racheal’s advice to young women entering her industry is simple but powerful: Show up—let everyone know you mean business, own your achievements, and trust that you will be rewarded for what you do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is being a woman in a male-dominated profession, but it also presents an opportunity to break barriers, lead with impact, and inspire more women to pursue careers in finance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and personal life are community, connection, and joy—whether it’s helping others, spending time with family, exploring new places, cooking for loved ones, or simply enjoying life through fun and meaningful get-togethers.