Women in Leadership: Reflections from Praxis on Jersey Finance’s Middle East Roadshow

Praxis was proud to sponsor the Jersey Finance ‘Perspectives: Women in Leadership roadshow in the Middle East last month - a platform bringing together industry leaders to champion gender diversity and explore the evolving role of women in financial services.

Representing our Dubai office, private wealth specialists Asel Omorova and Raine Corley attended all three events, with Asel also joining the panel discussion in Dubai. We asked them to reflect on the conversations that took place and share why these discussions are essential for driving meaningful progress across the industry.

From your perspective, how does the leadership journey in the Gulf region compare with other markets you’ve experienced or observed? 

Raine Corley (RC) - The Gulf region has such an exciting energy right now and it’s a market that’s growing quickly and embracing innovation. What’s particularly interesting is how many professionals from Jersey have made the move to the UAE in recent years. The skills and expertise developed in Jersey’s highly regulated financial environment are directly transferable, and that experience is recognised and valued here. It’s been encouraging to see how those of us with Jersey backgrounds can contribute to, and learn from, the dynamic and diverse market that’s developing across the Middle East.

What are some of the specific challenges women in leadership face in private wealth, and how did the sessions offer useful perspectives or approaches? 

RC - One of the strongest messages that came through during the fireside chats and panel discussions was the importance of women supporting one another and using our positions to lift others up. The private wealth industry, like many others, has historically lacked visible female leadership at senior levels, so being intentional about opening doors and creating opportunities for colleagues is crucial. The sessions really reinforced that leadership isn’t just about your own progression; it’s also about enabling others to succeed alongside you.

What is one insight or idea from the conversations that you feel could influence how you approach your work going forward?

Asel Omorova (AO) -  The panel discussions underscored the importance of supporting women in the workplace because we understand the unique challenges we face and are well-positioned to address them with insight and effectiveness.

One of my key takeaways was the powerful reminder to believe in ourselves, stay confident, and not let anything stand in our way. This is a message I’m committed to reinforcing among women professionals, as our contributions are essential to unlocking the full potential of our organisations. Research consistently shows that women bring unique and valuable perspectives to decision-making, often resulting in more thoughtful strategies and impactful outcomes. By embracing our strengths and trusting our abilities, we elevate not only our own leadership but also the collective success of the organisations.

Collaboration across disciplines and jurisdictions is often key in private wealth. How did the conversations influence your perspective on this? 

RC - What stood out to me was how powerful these networking events are for building meaningful professional connections between women in the industry. So often, referrals and collaboration happen within established, predominantly male networks and not by design, but simply because that’s who people know. Events like this help change that dynamic by introducing experienced women who are every bit as capable and experienced, and by giving us the opportunity to refer and support one another across firms and regions.

How do you define effective leadership when working with high-net-worth families or complex wealth structures?

AO - Effective leadership in private wealth is more than technical expertise, it’s a thoughtful blend of strategic foresight, emotional intelligence, and unwavering integrity. It means guiding families through multi-generational planning that supports long-term goals, while also navigating complex interpersonal dynamics through active listening and trust-building across diverse personalities.

Strong leaders bring structure and transparency to governance, uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, and ensure that wealth frameworks remain agile, ready to adapt to geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and generational transitions. In this space, leadership is not just about managing wealth; it’s about stewarding legacy with purpose and resilience.

For more information on our private wealth services, reach out to Asel or Raine.