A trailblazer in the finance field, H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei is currently at the helm of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) as its CEO. Since her appointment in late 2022, she has driven a digital-first approach, championed SME growth, and emphasized sustainable trade strategies to help boost the country’s trade finance landscape and its overall economic resilience.
Her strategy is backed by years of experience, holding executive roles in renowned entities such as the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Holding, National Bonds Corporation, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and DIFC FinTech Hive.
In this interview, she shares her insights on women in leadership, especially in a competitive industry like trade finance and fintech. She talks about the importance of strategic foresight, networking, and collaboration in accelerating inclusivity and growth.
Read: Etihad Credit Insurance becomes UAE’s first insurer to join KYC Blockchain Platform
As a leader in the export credit insurance and trade finance sector, where women remain underrepresented, how do you approach leadership, and how do you advocate for greater female representation?
Leadership, for me, is deeply rooted in humility, collaboration, and a profound commitment to inclusivity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire and facilitate meaningful change, and I’m always mindful of the contributions of those around me. I believe that nurturing talent through mentorship is pivotal, as structured guidance from experienced professionals can profoundly impact women’s careers.
Additionally, I’m committed to promoting policies that support work-life balance, recognizing this as essential for retaining talent and driving innovation. Creating significant and sustainable change demands collective effort across the industry. I engage in industry-related conferences, discussions, and partnerships, continuously learning and advocating for progress.
Transparency and accountability through clear diversity goals are integral to ensuring meaningful advancement. Moreover, education is the cornerstone of lasting transformation. By partnering with universities, facilitating internships, and offering networking opportunities, we can inspire and empower women to pursue fulfilling careers in export credit insurance and trade finance.
The UAE has made significant progress in fostering female leadership. What lessons from your journey can help other women navigate the path to executive leadership?
Reflecting on my journey, I’m deeply grateful for the lessons learned, especially the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and genuine connections. Embracing lifelong learning has empowered me to build confidence and gracefully navigate a dynamic business environment.
Networking has also profoundly impacted my journey, opening doors to mentorship and sponsorship, which are essential for career growth. I encourage women to courageously embrace challenges while maintaining resilience and adaptability. Setbacks are inevitable, but they provide invaluable lessons and opportunities to grow stronger and wiser.
I also believe in the power of self-advocacy. Women should feel encouraged to highlight their accomplishments confidently, negotiate effectively, and pursue leadership roles aligned with their values. Balancing career aspirations with personal priorities ensures sustainable success and fulfilment. With persistence, resilience, and continuous learning, women can significantly contribute to building inclusive, thriving workplaces.
Leadership in trade finance requires resilience and strategic thinking. Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your leadership style?
Leadership, especially in trade finance, calls for resilience and strategic foresight. A defining moment in my career was navigating a substantial market disruption, a period where quick yet thoughtful decisions were crucial. I’m grateful for this experience as it deepened my appreciation for adaptability, proactive leadership, and long-term vision.
During crises like the financial downturn or the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience and strategic agility become indispensable. These challenging times taught me the immense value of quickly reassessing risk, accelerating digital transformation, and reinforcing stakeholder relationships. Such experiences have shaped my leadership to become agile, proactive, and purpose-driven.
Beyond crisis management, an agile yet visionary approach allows us to effectively identify and seize growth opportunities. Recognizing early shifts toward fintech and emerging markets has helped me foster sustainable growth. My leadership is thus characterized by resilience balanced with strategic foresight, guiding organizations confidently and compassionately through complexchallenges.
What is your vision for the future of women in credit insurance and trade finance? How can institutions like Etihad Credit Insurance contribute to greater gender inclusion in the industry?
I envision a future where women participate and lead, influencing meaningful transformation within credit insurance and trade finance. We must recognize women’s immense potential and proactively create environments that nurture their talents through mentorship, leadership development, and supportive policies.
Work-life integration policies are particularly vital, enabling women to balance professional and personal commitments harmoniously. Valuing diverse perspectives enriches our workplaces, driving innovation and resilience. Moreover, targeted skill development in negotiation, financial strategy, and leadership can empower women to excel, confidently stepping into influential executive roles.
Celebrating women’s accomplishments within the sector challenges stereotypes and inspires emerging leaders. Networking platforms where women share experiences and collaboratively address industry challenges significantly boost professional growth and visibility. We must commit to measurable progress, set clear diversity targets, and maintain accountability.
By collaborating with external organizations that champion gender inclusion, institutions like Etihad Credit Insurance can foster an innovative, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
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