Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

The key to successful collaboration with business partners lies in strategic alignment, proactive risk mitigation, and commercial pragmatism. As Head of Legal Africa, my role is not just about ensuring compliance but also about enabling business growth while managing risks effectively. This requires a deep understanding of both regulatory landscapes and commercial objectives to offer solutions that are legally sound yet commercially viable. Strong cross-functional communication is also crucial, as fintech and tech businesses operate in highly dynamic and multi-jurisdictional environments. By fostering a legal approach that is both risk-aware and solution-driven, I help facilitate long-term, sustainable partnerships.

Which political, economic, or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

Over the past year, the fintech and tech sectors have faced significant regulatory tightening, geopolitical shifts, and economic volatility across multiple regions:

Regulatory Scrutiny & Compliance Expansion: In Africa, central banks are tightening oversight on payment services, digital banking, and crypto transactions, requiring continuous engagement with regulators. In the Middle East and Europe, new frameworks like the EU AI Act and evolving data protection laws have reshaped compliance strategies for AI-driven financial services.

Cross-Border Payment and De-risking Challenges: Economic instability and de-risking policies by global financial institutions have complicated cross-border transactions, particularly in emerging markets. This has led to increased focus on alternative payment structures and strategic partnerships with regional regulators.

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Adaptation: The fintech sector has had to navigate sanctions, shifting trade alliances, and fluctuating currency controls, especially in high-risk jurisdictions. Structuring compliant, resilient, and scalable operations across diverse regulatory environments has been one of the biggest challenges.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about, and why?

I am deeply committed to financial inclusion and responsible fintech innovation. Having worked across Africa, the Middle East, and other emerging markets, I have seen firsthand how fintech solutions can democratise financial access—but only when supported by pragmatic, innovation-friendly regulation.

Additionally, as AI becomes increasingly embedded in financial services, I advocate for ethical AI governance, ensuring that technology is deployed in a way that is fair, transparent, and aligned with global compliance standards. The intersection of law, technology, and financial accessibility is where I believe the most meaningful impact can be made, shaping the future of fintech in a way that is both inclusive and responsible.