Worldwide, women are leading the way in building and funding disruptive technologies in fintech to advance businesses, broaden access, reduce the disparity in wealth, and transform how people invest in digital assets. Many of these women are featured in 100WFinTech’s Public Directory and are the changemakers in their respective fields in fintech.
This edition’s ‘100WFinTech Changemaker’ series, shares the journey, mission, and learnings of two senior fintech women in the Public Directory, Nashwa (Joy) Saleh (UK) and Lavinia Osbourne (UK). We tell stories of how the 100WFinTech Changemakers have created and leveraged opportunities that were open to them via their speech, writing, entrepreneurship, investing, and community building. We hope the stories of these female fintech leaders can inspire the next generation of finance professionals to build a better and more inclusive world by leveraging technology.
If these stories and missions resonate with you, please share them with your network, get in touch with us, or join the 100WFinTech Public Directory.
We are always looking for Changemakers to profile, please contact us if you know someone we should feature.
Nashwa (Joy) Saleh
Independent Non-Executive Director, United Bank for Africa (UK) Ltd.
Location: United Kingdom
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nashwasaleh/
Dr. Nashwa Joy Saleh, CFA, CDir, CNED, is a UK-published author and associate Professor of Fintech at Kingston Business School (KBS) in London, contributing to validating its inaugural MSc Fintech program launched in September 2024. She has 25 plus years of experience across credit ratings, banking and global capital markets with USAID, EBRD, AfDB, Central Bank of Egypt, S&P Global, and KPMG. She was selected to feature in the prestigious Innovate Finance UK Women in Fintech Powerlist in 2023 and 2024.
Prior to joining KBS, she lectured at several universities predominantly in the UK including Cranfield, Cambridge, ESCP Europe, De Montfort University, and The American University in Cairo. She is the fintech founder of BAST Analytics UK Ltd (2019) (www.bastanalytics.com), with a distinct MSME and DEI focus on promoting access to finance through better data science, AI, and analytics.
Her recent independent non-executive board roles include INED with United Bank for Africa UK Ltd (UBA) where she is an independent board member and Chair of the Risk Committee. UBA UK is the UK subsidiary of a leading Pan-African institution with a footprint across 22 African countries and approved as an SMF10 by the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority. She also served as INED and Chair of the Audit Committee with a leading micro-finance institution co-founded by KfW in Egypt, and INED at a regulated MSME factoring company, a subsidiary of the largest Export Development Bank in Egypt.
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Nashwa will discuss her journey of moving from a senior executive career to a portfolio of independent non-executive board roles with financial institutions, engaging in thought leadership, and being an education and knowledge champion for Fintech as a force for good. She also shared valuable advice in preparing herself to pursue a Non-Executive Director portfolio.
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Why did you decide to become an Independent Board Member and what expertise do you bring to the table?
After a substantial number of years in senior executive roles covering global markets and functions across the financial services industry, the next natural evolution to continue to grow and be challenged as a professional is to move to non-executive board roles. You bring to the table all your experiences for the benefit of the board you serve on and work diligently to fulfil all the responsibilities and obligations that come with this role.
Effectively performing in your role as an independent board member entails among others: continuous horizon scanning of the markets, industry or industries the institution operates in from an opportunities and risks perspective; challenging management across strategy and operations; evaluating financial performance and oversight of risk culture, ensuring the institution is practicing sound risk management and governance, including ESG.
Your role in specific committees may call for additional responsibilities and obligations. For example, in my recent role as Chair of the Audit Committee with Sandah Microfinance, I have additional responsibilities in overseeing financial statement presentation and independent internal audit reports on processes and controls, engaging with external auditors or commissioning specific analyses and then reporting back to the board with findings and recommendations.
Being an independent board member also carries regulatory responsibilities to help ensure the institutions you serve on the boards are compliant and best prepared for upcoming prospective changes.
What have you learned in the process? If you could redo the process, is there anything you would change?
I firmly believe in always being prepared for whatever role or roles you are positioning yourself for at any stage of your career. Therefore, when I decided to start pursuing a Non-Executive Director portfolio, the first step I took was to obtain my Certificate in Company Direction from the UK Institute of Directors (IoD) to become a Certified Non-Executive Director (CNED) in 2018. Shortly after, I secured my first INED role with Sandah Microfinance. While I already hold a PhD, CFA, CMA, and a Master in Finance (MiF) from London Business School—ranked No. 1 globally—I understood that continuous learning and specialized qualifications are essential to excel in new opportunities.
In 2023, I further completed the Diploma in Company Direction. In 2024, I became a Chartered Director by the UK IoD joining a select group of directors across the UK. Here is my advice, specifically to women in finance and from diverse backgrounds: we have to work harder – the industry has come a long way compared to the early 1990s, nonetheless, always be very well prepared and arm yourselves with the necessary knowledge and tools. One thing I suggest is to start on this path earlier, after you hit the 15 years of experience mark (instead of the 25-year mark) you are ready to pursue non-executive roles in conjunction with your executive roles.
What would you do if you were not doing what you are doing?
In addition to what I am doing in the non-executive space, I am also an educator. As an Associate Professor of Fintech at Kingston Business School, we validated our inaugural MSc Fintech program launched in September 2024. I am sharing my experiences with students and helping prepare the necessary talent that we need across the financial services industry, specifically to support our unique leadership in the UK FinTech.
I want to continue working as a champion for consciousness in Fintech. My main indirect contribution with wide-reaching impact has been through knowledge sharing. Being featured in the UK’s Innovate Finance Powerlist has significantly multiplied this impact across my diverse networks, whether in university roles, policy advisory for central banks, or at my own FinTech start-up BAST Analytics UK Ltd.
Knowledge sharing and working with students is impactful and industry-changing. In the last 5 years, I have worked with close to 1,500 students at the UG, PG, and executive education levels with Kingston Business School, Cranfield, Cambridge, ESCP Europe, De Montfort and The American University in Cairo. Through my non-executive board roles focusing on access to finance and financial inclusion–specifically, microfinance and access to finance by MSMEs, I have made a positive impact on the ecosystem.
What advice would you give someone wanting to follow a similar path, i.e., bring your expertise to the Board?
I would like to emphasize five key pointers: i) Start early, around the 15-year mark of your career; ii) Be prepared with the right knowledge, and qualifications, keep working on your leadership and EQ skills, and be on a continuous learning journey; iii) diverse networks are crucial to secure the board roles you are seeking; iv) visibility is important; and v) be authentic and consistent, show up even if you are stretched or exhausted.
What is the biggest takeaway you want to leave with the reader at 100 Women in Finance/ 100WFinTech?
- Success is never linear path; it’s a journey filled with ups and downs, peaks, cliffs, and troughs. Sometimes you are not sure what the next step is. However, if you are always investing in yourself—learning, growing, being challenged and challenging others—and staying committed to your values, then when the right opportunities come your way, you will be ready for them.
- If you believe you are 70% to 75% prepared to assume a certain role, apply for it and step up. You are never 100% prepared for anything; the only constant in life is change. If you show up and do your best consistently you get much farther.
- Stay committed to your values and be kind to others. But most importantly, do not forget to also be kind to yourself. Sometimes you can focus on some things but not others. Gently accept this until you can rebalance it. We are not superwomen; we shouldn’t let others expect it of us, and more importantly, we shouldn’t expect it of ourselves.
Lavinia D. Osbourne
Founder and CEO of Women in Blockchain Talks (UK)
LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology & Innovation
The World’s 1st NFT Case Law Precedent – “Osbourne v Persons Unknown”, CogX Gender Equality Leader 2022, Wirex’s Rising Women in Crypto Powerlist 2021, 2023 & 2024
Location: United Kingdom
Website: www.laviniaosbourne.com / www.womeninblockchaintalks.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laviniaosbourne/
Lavinia is a recognised agent for change, an entrepreneur at the forefront of Blockchain technology development and a futurist for Web3 and AI. Through her advocacy and internationally recognised work with Women in Blockchain Talks (WiBT), she has won and been nominated for numerous accolades including a LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech & Innovation.
Passionate about restoring blockchain to its egalitarian ideals of equal opportunity for all, Lavinia works tirelessly to break down barriers and open doors by raising up underrepresented voices and has created global chapters in different parts of the world.
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Women in Blockchain Talks (WiBT) is the No.1 global diversity-driven blockchain networking, training and educational platform. Our mission is to give anyone–regardless of age, gender, nationality or background–the skills and confidence to blaze their personal or professional trail within Web3 and blockchain while closing the gender gap.
WiBT was established in 2019, and since that time, has touched and influenced many individuals to explore blockchain technology and how it can be used for good in different industries in a safe, secure, and supportive way.
What began as monthly in-person meetups transitioned to online talks during the pandemic and has since evolved into global chapters in cities like Barcelona, Tampa, Zimbabwe, Berlin, Dubai, Manchester, and London. Content has also been key in growing our community and sharing educational information. We now have a following of 10K plus across our email list, private community and social media, particularly LinkedIn.
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Lavinia will discuss her path to setting up the global educational Blockchain platform and what Blockchain and Web3 may bring to industries and career opportunities.
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What inspired you to create Women in Blockchain Talks?
I founded Women in Blockchain Talks because I saw a lack of women in the Blockchain tech space when I started working in the industry.
It took a few years to get going, as COVID-19 hit just six months after starting, forcing the world into lockdown. Thankfully, because of my years as an entrepreneur and digital marketer, I was able to bring my skillsets and know-how to the table and pivot the in-person monthly meetups to online talks.
It proved very successful and allowed WiBT to grow globally, build our community and promote our message which includes:
- Championing diversity and inclusion.
- Promoting the adoption and understanding of blockchain technology while addressing misinformation about cryptocurrency.
- Providing educational resources and upskilling opportunities for individuals interested in buying cryptocurrency, pursuing careers in blockchain, or building businesses in the Web3 space.
- Facilitating networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and industry leaders at events.
- Offering training and upskilling workshops, complete with CPD certification.
What are your thoughts on the future of blockchain and Web3 regarding career and work opportunities?
The future of blockchain and Web3 holds immense potential for career and work opportunities in various domains and industries. As these technologies continue to advance, and gain wider adoption and trust, professionals with the requisite skills and expertise can look forward to exciting job prospects in this burgeoning field. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and acquiring relevant skills will be crucial for those looking to capitalize on these opportunities in 2025.
The areas that will be most significant are:
- Data Analysts with experience in blockchain analytics tools and techniques will be well-positioned to capitalize on this demand.
- Cybersecurity and Auditing professionals will be key to keeping Blockchain’s inherent security features attractive for businesses looking to protect their digital assets.
- Legal and Regulatory Experts dealing with regulatory challenges and legal complexities will continue to be necessary in this space. Professionals who understand how to navigate the legal landscape of blockchain and Web3 technologies will be in high demand.
- Education and Training will be in demand to help professionals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field and be compliant. This is the area in WiBT where our team excels.
What advice would you give someone wanting to follow a similar path, i.e., founding a global networking and education blockchain platform?
Starting a global networking and education blockchain platform can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, but you have to have a strong why to do it.
My “why” was because I knew what it felt like to be the only woman working for a blockchain startup and in the room at events. It is important for people to have a safe, secure and supportive place to belong, build and develop. Ultimately, my “why” was that I wanted to be part of the solution rather than the problem, helping women lead from the front rather than chase from the back, as we have seen in so many other industries.
With that being said, if your why is strong enough then, these are the things you should think about:
- Identify your target audience and start building your network
- Focus on content creation, curation and community
- Foster industry partnerships and collaborations
- Be aware of legal and regulatory compliance for your niche space
- Create networking opportunities
It won’t be easy but if it is something you truly believe in and know it will make a difference and positive impact, then it will be worth it.
Upcoming events organized or co-hosted by 100WFinTech are as follows:
March 18, 2025, in-person event, London – Female Fintech Founders discussion produced by 100WFinTech
March 20, 2025, in-person event, Paris, “Global Fintech, Cross-border operations & Digital innovation”, produced by 100WFinTech and sponsored by Hogan
March to April 2025, in-person event, Zurich, “Sustainable Core Infrastructure Investments” Panel including Barbara Weber, Founding GP of B Capital Partners AG and SwissRe, produced by 100WFinTech and co-sponsored by Swiss Re & B Capital Partners AG.
Q2 2025, in-person roundtable event, San Francisco, “Digital Payments 101, Cybersecurity, and Defining Trends”, produced by 100WFinTech
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This is the tenth article of our Changemakers in FinTech series. In the future, we will continue to feature FinTech book authors, TED Talks speakers, lecturers, and influencers globally.
If you are interested in collaborating with 100WFinTech, please visit our website and contact us here.