What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

Last year was a rollercoaster. We have had political turmoil, popular protests and climatic disasters. All of them have impacted the banking business one way or the other and we need to be prepared to rapidly respond to each challenge. The pandemic prepared us to think on our feet, and this has been our modus operandi ever since. We need to respond to regulatory changes, the needs of our clients, the changes in technology and, of course, the competition in our business.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

The banking industry is now a digital one, so my first priority is to be prepared for a new business model. Our legal team will need to propose the necessary regulatory changes and work to keep up with the challenge. This includes AI and any new technology. We need to be able to help create better and safer products for our clients.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

I have been a lawyer for almost 30 years. As a young lawyer in a law firm, I did not have a successful female role model to look up to. The rules were different, and I was crushed against the infamous glass ceiling for too long until I decided to change paths. Times have changed and some conditions have improved. Now I work at an organisation where diversity is celebrated. But I know that due to my position as general counsel, it is my duty to push for change, not only with words but with actions. That is the reason why I joined WIP – Women in the Profession, and their rules committee. Just a few days ago we presented our guidelines that include actions to attract and retain female talent. My pledge is not only to follow the rules within my organisation but also to make sure that the law firms I hire also apply these guidelines.