Image of Mariana Kostadinova

Mariana Kostadinova

Bulgarian by birth and British by naturalisation, I have always been driven by a natural curiosity and a passion for learning. Born and raised in Eastern Europe, my journey has been defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Without the advantages of a privileged background or the conventional path of A-levels, I’ve carved my success in investment management through sheer hard work and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

My love for the English language, literature, and culture began at a very young age. I started learning English outside of the regular curriculum at the age of 7. By 12, I was accepted to study at the prestigious First Language School in my hometown of Varna, where I studied English, German, and Russian intensively. This passion for the English language led me to pursue a second Master’s degree in the UK. After graduating with a Master’s in Economics from Sofia, Bulgaria, I moved to London to study International Finance at the University of Westminster.

I began my career in Investment Management in the Channel Islands and now have 12 years of experience in the field, spanning both London and the Channel Islands. As an active member of investment committees, I’ve played a pivotal role in tactical asset allocation, sector positioning, and direct equity selection. My ability to question conventional wisdom and contribute positively to the decision-making process has helped achieve optimal performance results. I am an advocate for innovation, championing automation and efficiencies in all my professional endeavours. As an investment professional, I am also passionate about emerging markets and sustainability.

My passion for diversity, rooted in my experiences as an Eastern European woman navigating the UK, propels me to champion inclusivity and equality in all professional endeavours. I am enthusiastic about the Diversity Project because I believe that, as an ambassador, it provides a great platform for advocating diversity and supporting individuals who face challenges due to their diverse backgrounds within the investment management industry and the wider community. Given my background, I am delighted to participate in the Diversity Project and look forward to contributing with enthusiasm, dedication, and my unique perspective to help advance its mission.

How to get involved

Join as a member firm

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Join as a Partner or a Supporter

Partners and Supporters are companies and organisations within the industry, who do not fall within our Member definition but share our goals and values and agree to amplify the work the Diversity Project does.

Join as an ambassador

Diversity Project Ambassadors are people with a savings and investment background who support the Project’s ambition to accelerate diversity and inclusion in our sector. They advocate inclusion and offer their time and expertise to support the Project’s activities. Please read about the role of an ambassador.