Managing Director and Head of Commercial Banking, MUFG Union Bank

THE LATEST: Ardalan was named in September as one of America Banker’s “Women to Watch.” She was recognized for increasing Union Bank’s lending to middle-market firms at a faster pace than its competitors, for revamping her team’s compensation model and for developing a new term sheet process to help lenders make faster preliminary offers.

BACKGROUND: Ardalan directs a team that services clients’ debt financing, depository and cash management, global trade and foreign currency exposure needs. She previously served as head of the financial institution’s middle-market banking and helped found Union Bank’s national specialized lending group.

WORTH NOTING: Ardalan serves on the Iranian-American Women Foundation’s advisory board. She also serves as an ambassador for the Looking Beyond Foundation. In October, Union Bank purchased Intrepid Investment Bankers to work closely with Ardalan’s team.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3