About the Author

Rupert Stebbings has led a life defined by movement, transformation, and meaningful connection—with people, places, and ideas. His professional journey began in London, where he spent five years trading and selling Asian equities before heading to Wall Street to focus on Latin American markets. These experiences formed the foundation of a successful international finance career.

His story took a new turn upon arriving in Colombia, where he became a key player in opening the country’s equity market to overseas investors. Rupert went on to build Celfin Capital as CEO and made history as the first foreign Managing Director at Bancolombia. His final role in finance was as International Executive Director at the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC), the local stock exchange.

Beyond finance, Rupert served on the boards of both Viva Air—where he authored the airline’s official book—and SET ICAP, further deepening his connection to Colombia’s economic development.

For the past nine years, Rupert has held the role of Honorary UK Consul in Medellín. In this capacity, he works to protect British citizens abroad and to strengthen commercial and political relationships between the UK and the city he now calls home.

Having lived in Colombia for over 18 years, Rupert considers himself one of the foreigners with the deepest understanding of the country’s inner workings. He is committed to projecting a more positive and nuanced image of Colombia to the world, even as internal political divisions challenge that narrative.

While finance and commerce remain areas of expertise, Rupert finds himself increasingly drawn to education, social initiatives, and foundation work. Though he once helped channel billions of dollars into Colombia through foreign investment, he now seeks equally impactful ways to support the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Before the Wall Came Down is a deeply personal project—one that blends Rupert’s passion for storytelling, photography, and history. It is a reflection of his belief in the power of lived experience and the importance of preserving memory through both image and word.