Could you share a bit about your career journey to date and what attracted you to join Wise as Chief Compliance Officer?

I joined Wise just over 3 months ago. After 25 years of navigating the complex world of Compliance in various investment banks across the globe, I realised it was time for a plot twist.

It all started with a personal 'aha!' moment. I'd been working and living abroad, sending money back to the UK every month, and honestly, for a long while I was clueless about the sneaky fees eating away at my hard-earned money. Talk about a painful wake-up call!

So, when the opportunity at Wise popped up, it was perfect timing. I was ready for a change, and here was a company tackling a problem I now personally understood.

But the real pull to Wise? It wasn't just a great opportunity. As I met more of the Wise team, I was so impressed. It was clear that I'd be joining a super customer-obsessed culture where everyone is laser-focused on solving real problems and pushing Wise forward in delivering its mission. It felt like joining a movement, and I was ready to jump in!

What has been one of your proudest moments in your career to date?

That's a tough one, as there have been a few key moments. In prior roles, I'm so proud of the strong, trusting relationships I've built, both inside the team and with external stakeholders—those relationships are fundamental to successful partnerships. 

It also gives me such pride to see people I've mentored grow and achieve their goals. 

And now at Wise? I have no doubt that joining Wise is going to be the next highlight I look back on with a smile and sense of great achievement.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to grow into leadership roles in a company like Wise?

My advice would be to embrace both ambition and authenticity. At Wise, we value leaders who are not afraid to be bold, challenge the status quo, and drive significant impact. True leadership here is also about being genuinely yourself. Don't feel pressured to adopt a persona you think a leader 'should' have. Your unique perspective, background, and strengths are what will allow you to innovate and lead diverse teams effectively.

Also, be a perpetual student. Our fintech industry is constantly evolving, and as a company built on a mission to make money borderless, continuous learning and adaptability are non-negotiable. Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively look for opportunities to step outside your comfort zone—that's where the greatest growth happens.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Give to Gain.’ In the context of leadership and compliance, how do you interpret this? 

The theme ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of effective leadership and continuous learning. To "give" is to share knowledge, offer mentorship, delegate authority, and truly be receptive to new perspectives. This generosity isn't just goodwill; it's a strategic investment.  We "gain" by learning when we give as well as fostering a more engaged, knowledgeable team, which in turn fuels true innovation.

I have been incredibly fortunate to have been on both sides of this equation—as both a mentor and a mentee—and the benefits have honestly flowed in both directions.

From my mentors, I've gained critical perspective, strategic guidance, and the deep-seated confidence to navigate complex challenges. They gave me their time and wisdom without reservation, and in return, I gained invaluable insights and opportunities to self reflect and grow.

Equally transformative has been the relationship with my mentees. They have given me such fresh insights into emerging technologies, changing workplace dynamics, and the real-world challenges faced by colleagues. Their open, often challenging, questions have genuinely forced me to revisit my own assumptions and ensure my knowledge remains current and relevant. This constant, honest process of giving and gaining—sharing my experience and absorbing their perspectives —is, for me, a powerful engine for personal and professional growth.

What do you hope to achieve as CCO at Wise?