Meet Ivan Momin, Our First Leonid Ostrovsky Lending Fellow
At an early age, Ivan Momin, Accompany Capital’s inaugural Leonid Ostrovsky Lending Fellow (seen 2nd from left above), had already embraced a desire to make a meaningful difference in his community. Raised in a Bengali household, Ivan was inspired by the legacy of Muhammad Yunus, the Bengali pioneer of microfinance, and saw how microlending and financial education could combat poverty globally. Now, as a Fellow based in our Jackson Heights office, Ivan sees firsthand how micro and small business lending can create pathways to prosperity closer to home as well.
A recent graduate of Queens College, Ivan brings a strong background in finance and economics, paired with a passion for supporting small business owners. And like Leonid Ostrovsky, Accompany Capital’s late, and beloved, Chief Lending Officer for whom the fellowship is named, Ivan is deeply mission-driven. “I decided that I really wanted to give back to my community,” he explains about his choice to start his career at a Community Development Financial Institution like Accompany Capital instead of an investment bank.
Ivan’s outgoing nature—he was nationally ranked in debate during high school—helps him thrive in his role, and he is already an invaluable member of the Queens team, where he assists with credit analysis, underwriting, and community outreach.
He enjoys meeting prospective clients at citywide events and using his Bengali language skills to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn more about business and personal finance and is learning the value of connecting with clients on a personal level, gaining a deeper understanding of their businesses beyond just the numbers on a balance sheet. “There’s something you can’t understand just by looking at the numbers. You must meet the person,” he explains. A self-proclaimed foodie, Ivan particularly delights in visiting client establishments, from Thai BBQ Boondee Moo Ka Ta to Khalil’s Biryani House.
The Leonid Ostrovsky Lending Fellowship offers recent graduates like Ivan a crucial opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Community Development Finance sector. By helping to create and expand businesses and jobs, the program empowers the next generation to strengthen their communities. To help us ensure the growth of this program, please consider a gift to the Leonid Ostrovsky Lending Fellowship.