Former Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswoman According to Forbes, Former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank & Youngest-Ever Head of a Consumer Bank
Amnah Ajmal’s Biography:
Amnah Ajmal is the Founder and CEO of SheKnows, a role she has held since 2026, following an illustrious career at the forefront of global banking, payments and financial technology. Previously serving as Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, Amnah is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in financial services. With extensive expertise spanning banking, digital payments, innovation and leadership, she is a sought-after keynote speaker who offers valuable insights into the future of finance, technology transformation and the advancement of women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her ability to combine strategic vision with real-world leadership experience makes her a compelling voice on the global stage.
Amnah’s career began after completing a Master’s in Finance from the London School of Economics. She joined Citi as a Management Associate before progressing through increasingly senior leadership positions, including Portfolio Management, Cards Business Head and Asset Business Head. In 2012, she joined Standard Chartered Bank as Strategic Initiatives Head and quickly rose through the ranks to become Retail Banking Head and later CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in Malaysia, earning recognition as the youngest-ever head of a consumer bank. In 2015, she joined Mastercard as Consumer & Commercial Payments Head, later becoming Group Executive of Products & Innovation before being appointed Executive Vice President of Market Development.
Throughout her career, Amnah has received widespread industry recognition for her contributions to financial services and fintech. She was named among the Top 100 Women in FinTech by LATTICE80 in 2019 and by IBM and Issuu in subsequent years. The Financial Technology Report also recognised her as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Financial Technology in 2019 and 2020. In 2024, she was included in Forbes Middle East’s prestigious 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen list.
Beyond her executive achievements, Amnah is an influential advocate for innovation, inclusion and leadership development. She is regularly invited to speak at major international forums and industry events, sharing expertise on digital transformation, economic growth, payments innovation and empowering the next generation of female leaders. Her experience leading multinational organisations across diverse markets provides audiences with practical lessons on navigating change, driving growth and building resilient, future-focused businesses.
Why Hire Amnah Ajmal?
Amnah Ajmal delivers a unique blend of boardroom experience, fintech expertise and global market insight that resonates with audiences across industries. Having led transformational initiatives at some of the world’s largest financial institutions, she offers actionable perspectives on leadership, innovation, customer-centric growth and emerging technologies. Her appearances at high-profile events including the World Economic Forum, Dubai FinTech Summit and Arabian Business Leadership Summit demonstrate her ability to engage senior leaders and decision-makers. Audiences value her forward-thinking approach, international perspective and inspiring advocacy for greater diversity and inclusion in business.
Amnah Ajmal‘s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Amnah Ajmal’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Founded SheKnows and became Chief Executive Officer, focused on empowering leadership, innovation and growth.
- 2024 – Named in Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen list.
- 2024 – Invited to speak at the World Economic Forum on leadership, innovation and the future of business.
- 2021 – Recognised in the Top 100 Women in FinTech list by Issuu.
- 2019 – Appointed Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard.
- 2019 – Named among the Top 100 Women in FinTech by LATTICE80 and one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Financial Technology by The Financial Technology Report.
- 2017 – Promoted to Group Executive of Products & Innovation at Mastercard, leading innovation and growth initiatives.
- 2014 – Became CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, achieving recognition as the youngest-ever head of a consumer bank.
Videos
Amnah Ajmal’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Amnah Ajmal was an outstanding addition to our event. Her deep expertise in banking, fintech and digital innovation was evident throughout her presentation, but what truly set her apart was her ability to translate complex industry trends into practical, actionable insights. Amnah captivated the audience with her engaging delivery, global perspective and authentic leadership experiences. Her discussion on innovation, transformation and empowering women in leadership resonated strongly with attendees at every level. Professional, insightful and inspiring, she left a lasting impression on our audience and was one of the highest-rated speakers of the event.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Amnah Ajmal’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Finance & Banking
- Fintech
- Technology
- Women in Tech
How Much Does Amnah Ajmal Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Amnah Ajmal?
Amnah Ajmal’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.