Celebrating Our Female Directors on International Women's Day with Tina Saunders

08 March 2024

"Be passionate about what you do and be good at it, this will nurture inner confidence to face any adversity".

International Women’s Day is annually marked on 8^th March and is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality. IWD is an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to advocate for change, and to support women's rights and empowerment worldwide. The aim of this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.

To celebrate International Women’s Day at Fairway, we have profiled three of our female Directors, asking them about their career journey, what it is like being a woman in the trust industry and what international women’s day means to them.

The second woman from our senior leadership team that we spoke to, is Tina Saunders, Director & Head of Risk & Compliance.

Tell us about your career journey leading up to Fairway

I started my financial services career in pensions and insurance before moving into Fund administration. I then joined one of the “Big Four” accountancy firms and upon qualifying as an accountant I returned to Funds in a Fund accounting capacity with Deutsche Bank. I remained at Deutsche Bank for 14 years, where I broadened my knowledge within their Corporate Services team responsible for various regulated and unregulated funds, SPVs and their Trustee function before finally joining their compliance team.

What attracted you to a career in compliance?

My motivation to work in compliance stems from my belief in the importance of upholding ethical conduct and protecting an organisation. Having previously worked in accountancy, I’m a logical thinker and enjoy problem solving. Having also worked in client facing roles, I feel that I have a broad knowledge of the challenges faced by businesses and am able to identify efficient, compliant solutions.

What would you say your greatest achievement is?

My greatest personal achievement is my two children, who I am immensely proud of. Professionally I feel very lucky to have been extended numerous opportunities both client facing and within compliance. This has enabled me to gain specialist expertise and given me the ability to be a versatile and pragmatic compliance professional, which assists me in leading a great, dynamic compliance team at Fairway.

Which message do you think is the most important to young women starting a career in the financial industry?

Be passionate about what you do and be good at it, this will nurture inner confidence to face any adversity.

Who is a woman that inspires you?

Adele Roberts – Adele had a successful media career, working in both radio and television, prior to receiving a cancer diagnosis. Following successful treatment, she has not let this hold her back, by continuing to work in media and by setting herself personal challenges, such as being the fastest woman to run the London marathon with a stoma bag. 

Have you seen much change in the way women are treated in the industry over the years?

There has been a massive positive change in the way women are treated now, compared to 20 years, but there is still some work to do in order for us to gain equal representation within all levels of the finance industry and beyond.

What do you think we can do to pave the way towards a more inclusive industry?

Keep learning lessons, extend development opportunities to all and embrace and celebrate differences such as backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking.

What would you say have been some of your biggest challenges as a woman in the industry?

Recognition of our ability.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It is a day to honour the achievements of women, recognise their contribution to society and to continue to advocate for gender equality. It is also an opportunity to celebrate women and all our aspirations to have a fully inclusive culture.