Rasha Zaklama

CA qualified, results oriented, experienced operational risk and compliance professional with banking and financial services experience. A senior leader with demonstrated strength in transforming teams, stakeholder management and influencing decision makers. A high achieving individual with a track record of building best practice risk teams and moving the dial on business risk culture. A passionate people leader who leads through role modelling and a champion of diversity.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

A high achieving individual with a track record of building best practice risk teams and moving the dial on business risk culture.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Built and transformed high-performing risk teams, strengthening risk capability and accountability across the business.
2. Influenced senior stakeholders to embed risk-informed decision-making and improve risk culture.
3. Delivered pragmatic risk and compliance outcomes that balanced regulatory expectations with commercial priorities

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

Stepping into complex, high-visibility roles during periods of change, where expectations were unclear and outcomes uncertain. I backed my judgement, leaned into accountability, and used influence and collaboration to deliver sustainable risk outcomes.

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

I’m naturally reflective and calm under pressure, and I do my best thinking in challenging situations where clarity and balance are most needed.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Judgement. The ability to balance integrity, pragmatism and courage—knowing when to challenge, when to enable, and how to bring people with you.