In the dynamic world of financial technology, few leaders have made as profound an impact as Amnah Ajmal, the Executive Vice President of Market Development for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) at Mastercard. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.
Early Life and Education
Amnah’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. She holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), equipping her with the analytical and strategic skills that would later define her career.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Before joining Mastercard, Amnah amassed a wealth of experience in the banking sector. She served as the Head of Consumer Banking for Standard Chartered Malaysia, overseeing the full end-to-end profit and loss responsibilities. Her role extended globally as she managed retail banking strategies for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan, operating out of Singapore. Her tenure at Citigroup saw her in leadership positions across the UAE, Egypt, the UK, and Poland, including serving as the Asset Business Head for Poland.
Mastercard Tenure: Driving Innovation and Inclusion
Since joining Mastercard in 2015 as Head of Products for the Middle East and Africa, Amnah has been a catalyst for change. Her innovative approach has driven consumer and commercial payment solutions, leveraging technology and partnerships to deliver integrated digital experiences. In her current role, she oversees acceptance, acquiring, merchant relations, digital partnerships, fintech strategies, and mergers and acquisitions across 80 countries.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Amnah’s passion extends beyond corporate success; she is deeply committed to social empowerment and gender equity. Under her leadership, Mastercard launched the annual Women SME Leaders Awards in partnership with Entrepreneur Middle East, recognizing and empowering women-owned and run SMEs across the EEMEA region. She acknowledges the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face, including networking barriers and self-confidence issues, and strives to instill confidence and provide platforms for their achievements.
Global Recognition and Accolades
Amnah’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored in Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen lists for both 2024 and 2025, reflecting her influence and leadership in the banking and financial services sector. Her accolades also include being listed among the Top 100 Women in Fintech globally by IBM and FinTech Magazine in 2021, and being recognized as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Financial Technology by the Financial Technology Report in both 2019 and 2020.
Recent Initiatives and Partnerships
Under Amnah’s guidance, Mastercard has forged significant partnerships aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation. In September 2024, Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services signed a multi-year commercial partnership to digitize payment acceptance across the Middle East and Africa. October 2024 saw a collaboration with Orange Middle East and Africa to expand access to mobile financial services in seven African countries by 2025. Additionally, agreements with Alshaya Group and LuLu Group International were secured in July 2024, further cementing Mastercard’s commitment to innovation and growth in the region.
Personal Philosophy and Vision
Amnah believes in the transformative power of self-disruption. She emphasizes humility and the importance of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals to drive innovation. Her journey from a traditional banker to a fintech leader exemplifies her belief in continuous reinvention and adaptation to change.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
As a mother, Amnah is particularly passionate about empowering women. She strives to provide opportunities and choices for her daughter that she herself did not have. This personal commitment fuels her professional endeavors to uplift women and encourage them to believe in their dreams.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Through her strategic vision and dedication, Amnah Ajmal continues to shape the future of financial technology. Her efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion are paving the way for a more inclusive digital economy. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with resilience and innovation, one can break barriers and drive meaningful change.
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