Manama, Bahrain – 25 March 2020 – Innovate Finance UK announced  “The Women in FinTech Powerlist 2020” which included Head of Fintech & Innovation Unit at the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Ms. Yasmeen Al Sharaf. Ms. Al Sharaf was selected for the second consecutive year amongst the Policy Makers and Regulatory Experts category which caters for Regulators, Policy Advisors and Compliance Professionals.

The Women in FinTech Powerlist initiative was launched to recognize women leading innovation in financial services and has recently published the list of 200 women shaping the future of finance. Innovate Finance received over 1000 applications for this year’s list which incorporates 7 different categories including; Senior Leaders, Rising Stars, Technology Professionals, Investors, Policy Makers and Regulatory Experts, Marketers & Communicators and Financial & Professional Services; resulting in applications and nominations from around the world which were reviewed and finalized by a panel of independent judges and experts in FinTech. It is worth noting that Innovate Finance UK is an Independent industry body that represents and advances the global FinTech community. Innovate Finance’s focus ranges from startups to global financial institutions to investors, professional services firms, and global FinTech hubs.

On this occasion Ms. Al Sharaf commented: “As a Bahraini woman in the FinTech field, I am honored to have this opportunity to represent the Kingdom on the Women in FinTech Powerlist 2020, for the second year running. I am also exceedingly grateful for the opportunities being granted to empower Bahraini women to reach such achievements in local and international forums.  On this occasion, I would like to extend my appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Rasheed Mohamed AlMaraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, for his continued trust, guidance and support and for his invaluable role in encouraging female inclusivity & leadership within the financial sector.”

Mr. Rasheed Al Maraj, CBB Governor, congratulated Ms. Yasmeen Al Sharaf on her selection amongst the leading personalities in FinTech for 2020, saying: “We commend this achievement and the role of women across all sectors including FinTech. We take pride in all the female competencies at the CBB for their hard work and active participation on both local and international levels, and particularly in light of the technological developments in the banking and financial sector.”