Kara McNulty joined MUFG’s Global Corporate & Investment Banking training program in 2014 after graduating college. What started as an open-ended journey in banking quickly turned into a passion for Commodity & Structured Trade Finance in 2016. Since then, McNulty has built a successful career, becoming a director and a respected leader in the industry.

Her interest in structuring complex deals grew as she joined a team focused on senior secured borrowing base facilities. One of her proudest achievements was leading a $4.1 billion borrowing base facility with a syndicate of 21 banks. Managing negotiations, aligning stakeholder interests and navigating the approval process reinforced her leadership in structured finance.

Rising through the ranks hasn’t come without challenges. McNulty has worked through imposter syndrome and learned how to delegate effectively. “I’ve come to see delegation as empowering, not a weakness,” she says. “It’s about giving others the opportunity to learn and grow. While it takes time to teach, trusting others strengthens both the team and the outcome.”

McNulty works seamlessly with colleagues at all levels, blending seasoned judgement from industry veterans with fresh insights from emerging talent. She uses tools like Microsoft Teams and Excel macros to boost efficiency in deal execution, and tracks market trends, regulatory shifts, global economic challenges, and innovations like blockchain and AI to stay at the forefront of finance.

Over the next decade, McNulty aims to deepen client relationships and further establish herself as a trusted partner known for delivering successful outcomes. She also looks forward to expanding her leadership role, contributing to strategic initiatives, and guiding the next generation of Commodity Finance professionals.

“Ultimately, I want to look back and know that I’ve made a lasting difference — for my clients, my team and the industry,” she says.