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3/10/25, 9:32 AM Raja Al Mazrouei on growth, innovation, and inclusion
Raja Al Mazrouei on growth, innovation, and inclusion: When women lead in trade finance
Etihad Credit Insurance CEO discusses the importance of networking and strategic foresight

Her Excellency Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI)
Published: Fri 7 Mar 2025, 10:26 AM Last updated: Fri 7 Mar 2025, 10:27 AM
A trailblazer in the finance field, H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei is currently at the helm of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) as
its CEO. Since her appointment in late 2022, she has driven a digital-first approach, championed SME growth, and
emphasized sustainable trade strategies to help boost the country’s trade finance landscape and its overall economic
resilience.
Her strategy is backed by years of experience, holding executive roles in renowned entities such as the Higher
Colleges of Technology, Dubai Holding, National Bonds Corporation, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC),
and DIFC FinTech Hive.
In this interview, she shares her insights on women in leadership, especially in a competitive industry like trade
finance and fintech. She talks about the importance of strategic foresight, networking, and collaboration in
accelerating inclusivity and growth.
Read: Etihad Credit Insurance becomes UAE’s first insurer to join KYC Blockchain Platform
As a leader in the export credit insurance and trade finance sector, where women remain underrepresented,
how do you approach leadership, and how do you advocate for greater female representation?
Leadership, for me, is deeply rooted in humility, collaboration, and a profound commitment to inclusivity. I’m
grateful for the opportunity to inspire and facilitate meaningful change, and I’m always mindful of the contributions
of those around me. I believe that nurturing talent through mentorship is pivotal, as structured guidance from
experienced professionals can profoundly impact women’s careers.
Additionally, I’m committed to promoting policies that support work-life balance, recognizing this as essential for
retaining talent and driving innovation. Creating significant and sustainable change demands collective effort across
the industry. I engage in industry-related conferences, discussions, and partnerships, continuously learning and
advocating for progress.
Transparency and accountability through clear diversity goals are integral to ensuring meaningful advancement.
Moreover, education is the cornerstone of lasting transformation. By partnering with universities, facilitating
internships, and offering networking opportunities, we can inspire and empower women to pursue fulfilling careers in
export credit insurance and trade finance.
The UAE has made significant progress in fostering female leadership. What lessons from your journey can
help other women navigate the path to executive leadership?
Reflecting on my journey, I’m deeply grateful for the lessons learned, especially the significance of continuous
learning, adaptability, and genuine connections. Embracing lifelong learning has empowered me to build confidence
and gracefully navigate a dynamic business environment.
Networking has also profoundly impacted my journey, opening doors to mentorship and sponsorship, which are
essential for career growth. I encourage women to courageously embrace challenges while maintaining resilience and
adaptability. Setbacks are inevitable, but they provide invaluable lessons and opportunities to grow stronger and
wiser.
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