Dilek Ulu

Dilek Ulu, Head of Financial Risk at Janus Henderson Investors since 2021, oversees market, ESG, liquidity, model and counterparty risks in the EMEA and APAC regions. She joined from Invesco in 2020, holding a PhD in Finance and FRM designation, with over a decade in the financial industry.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

As a “risky woman” in finance, I try to challenge norms and lead transformative changes while balancing a demanding career with family life. My efforts in promoting diversity underscores my deep commitment to reshaping the industry and fostering an inclusive Risk culture.

Name your top 3 achievements

1.  Firstly, my social mobility efforts are worth mentioning. I’ve dedicated time and effort into several initiatives at our firm and industry to help talented individuals from less privileged backgrounds move up professionally. These programs bring fresh perspectives and new ideas into our industry, enhancing our overall creativity and innovation.
2. Secondly, I’m really involved in our diversity and inclusion efforts, especially through mentoring from diverse backgrounds. This work is crucial for building a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive and increase representation in the industry. My efforts have been recognized too, with nominations for awards like the “Role Model of the Year,” “Mentor of the Year” which really motivates me to keep pushing for change.
3. Finally, I try to make sure to balance my career ambitions with my role as a mom to two wonderful little girls. Maintaining this balance is key for me; it allows me to pursue my professional goals while being there for my daughters. I want to show them that it’s possible to be dedicated both at work and at home.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

One of the toughest risks I took involved commuting by 4AM train for my asset management internship while juggling university lecturing duties. This challenging experience significantly boosted my career, deepened my asset management insights, and improved my ability to handle multiple demanding roles at once.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Growing up I played lots of video games, even worked as a game tester. Now I like playing with my kids at the weekends.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Effective leaders in risk management are great at foreseeing potential issues and value diverse perspectives. They tackle risks head-on, make smart choices under pressure, and encourage a team culture that sparks creative solutions. This not only builds a stronger, more resilient organization but also boosts trust among everyone involved.