Redefining finance services: Women at the helm

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of the 2025 edition of the Discovery Series, in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University. This year, we spotlight the lived experiences and leadership journeys of senior women in finance, and their impact on governance, risk, audit, and innovation in the UAE’s financial services sector.

The discussion will highlight the lived experiences, leadership journeys, and impact of these exceptional women, setting the stage for the wider Discovery Series report.

Please RSVP by 10 November 2025.

Our panel will explore:

  1. Risk and compliance leadership
    Navigating complex regulatory environments
  2. Ethics, governance and resilience
    Building trust and sustainable growth
  3. Capital, payments and innovation
    Financial transformation and future readiness

Meet our panelists

  • Heather McGregor (Moderator)
    Professor Dame
    Heather McGregor (Moderator)
    Heriot-Watt University Dubai
  • Alexandra Will
    Partner, Financial Crime Compliance Advisory
    Grant Thornton UAE
  • Irene Wamakau
    Vice President, Regional Ethics & Compliance Leader, CEMEA
    Irene Wamakau Follow on LinkedIn
    Visa
  • Malika Beri
    Managing Director, Co-Head MEA Payments & CEEMEA Corporate Payments
    JP Morgan