The banking sector is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation, driven by technological, regulatory, and social changes. In this context, women leaders are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, by bringing new perspectives, skills, and values to the table. Women leaders are empowering change and innovation in the banking sector, by enhancing customer experience, fostering diversity and inclusion, and promoting sustainability and social impact.
One of the ways that women leaders are empowering change and innovation in the banking sector is by enhancing customer experience and loyalty, by offering a comprehensive and integrated suite of products and services, as well as leveraging digital capabilities and platforms.
For example, Nada Mohamed, the Chief Technology and Transformation Officer of CrediMax, a leading credit card company in Bahrain, shared her thoughts on how she is leading the digital transformation and emerging trends in the financing and payment industry.
She said, “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our customer experience and satisfaction, by providing them with innovative and convenient solutions that meet their needs and expectations. We are also investing in new technologies and platforms, such as mobile applications, biometric authentication, and contactless payments, to enhance our security, efficiency, and accessibility.”
She added, “We are also exploring new opportunities and partnerships, such as collaborating with fintechs and e-commerce platforms, to expand our reach and offer our customers more choices and benefits. We are also looking into new segments and markets, such as the youth and the unbanked, to provide them with financial inclusion and empowerment.”
By enhancing customer experience and loyalty, women leaders are creating value and impact for their customers, shareholders, and stakeholders, as well as increasing their market share and profitability.
Women leaders foster diversity and inclusion in the banking sector
Another way that women leaders are empowering change and innovation in the banking sector is by fostering diversity and inclusion, by attracting and retaining the best talent from different backgrounds and perspectives, as well as supporting various initiatives and programs that promote gender equality and empowerment.
For example, Gulf Bank, one of the largest and most progressive banks in Kuwait, organized a panel discussion on women’s empowerment and leadership, professional skill development, and the importance of mentorship and networking, as part of its celebration of International Women’s Day.
The panel featured prominent women leaders from the banking sector, such as Shaikha Al Bahar, the Deputy Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait, and Rana Al Nibari, the CEO of Injaz Kuwait, as well as Gulf Bank’s own women leaders, such as Dalal Al Dousari, the Senior Manager of Learning and Development, and Lulwa Al Ayoub, the Head of Corporate Communications.
The panelists shared their insights and experiences on the challenges and opportunities that women face in the banking sector, as well as the best practices and strategies that they use to overcome them. They also highlighted the importance of having a supportive and inclusive culture, as well as a clear and consistent career path, for women to advance and succeed in the banking sector.
By fostering diversity and inclusion, women leaders are enhancing the performance, innovation, and resilience of the banking sector, as well as contributing to the social and economic development of the society.
Women leaders promote sustainability and social impact in the banking sector
A third way that women leaders are empowering change and innovation in the banking sector is by promoting sustainability and social impact, by ensuring their operational and cyber security, as well as addressing their environmental and social impact.
For example, Women’s World Banking, a global network of financial institutions that serve low-income women, has designed a range of programs to build the pipeline of women leaders in the finance sector, by developing women from regulatory agencies and financial service providers.
The programs develop the skills and behaviors to expand impact and lead authentically, while supporting senior leaders of any gender to act as a sponsor and advocate for women’s leadership. This combined investment supports institutions in building a diverse workforce, developing talent, and creating more inclusive cultures.
Sarah Buitoni, Women’s World Banking’s Director of Leadership and Diversity Programs, also noted, “More diverse institutions are going to be better at serving a more diverse client base.” She added, “We also work with our network members to ensure that they are providing responsible and sustainable financial services to their clients, as well as measuring and reporting their social and environmental impact.”
By promoting sustainability and social impact, women leaders are strengthening the resilience and reputation of the banking sector, as well as creating value and impact for their clients, communities, and society.
