Amnah Ajmal, Mastercard’s Executive Vice President for Market Development in Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA), has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive innovation and forge meaningful partnerships across the financial technology landscape. Throughout her illustrious career, Amnah has been at the forefront of transforming the digital economy and shaping the future of payments and financial inclusion. Her leadership style, focused on partnerships, technology, and inclusion, has had a profound impact on businesses, consumers, and society as a whole, particularly in the MEA region.
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The Power of Partnerships
One of the most distinctive aspects of Amnah Ajmal’s leadership approach is her firm belief in the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change. For her, partnerships are not just a business strategy; they are the foundation upon which innovation is built. In her role at Mastercard, Amnah has spearheaded numerous collaborations that bring together diverse stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Her vision is to create sustainable, inclusive solutions that address the challenges of the digital economy and extend its benefits to all.
Amnah’s focus on partnerships was prominently displayed when Mastercard became the Official Payment Technology Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai. The event provided a platform for showcasing the latest technological innovations, and Mastercard’s presence was instrumental in demonstrating the future of payments. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, Expo 2020 was a showcase of how partnerships can create cutting-edge solutions that reshape the way people engage with technology and the economy.
A Leader in Digital Innovation
Amnah Ajmal’s influence extends far beyond partnerships. She has been instrumental in Mastercard’s efforts to revolutionize digital payments, leveraging technology to deliver seamless and secure payment experiences. One of the key innovations under her leadership was the development of an AI-powered, unmanned retail experience in collaboration with PepsiCo, called Pepsi Go. This cutting-edge solution allows consumers to enjoy a frictionless shopping experience, where artificial intelligence tracks their purchases and automatically processes payments. Such innovations have not only enhanced the convenience of digital payments but have also opened new possibilities for retailers and consumers alike.
Amnah’s focus on technology extends to a broad range of applications, including virtual reality, face recognition, voice shopping, and wearables. Through her leadership, Mastercard has positioned itself as a pioneer in the digital economy, helping millions of people experience the future of payments. Her work ensures that Mastercard stays at the forefront of technological innovation, unlocking new opportunities and creating a more inclusive world where digital solutions can address real-world problems.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Amnah Ajmal is also a passionate advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Under her leadership, Mastercard has committed to supporting 25 million women entrepreneurs globally by providing them with digital tools and access to opportunities that can help them grow and scale their businesses. This commitment is particularly evident in Mastercard’s partnership with Female Fusion, the largest network for women-owned businesses in the Middle East.
At Expo 2020 Dubai, Female Fusion and Mastercard joined forces to host workshops, networking sessions, and mentoring programs aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. These activities were designed to equip women with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. One of the most inspiring aspects of this initiative was the inclusion of Sarah Beydoun, a Lebanese entrepreneur featured in Mastercard’s award-winning documentary “FIVE.” Her story of resilience and success exemplified the positive impact that such collaborations can have on women-owned businesses.
Through initiatives like these, Amnah is not only advocating for women’s empowerment but also ensuring that women play a vital role in shaping the future of the global economy. Her vision of inclusive growth and financial empowerment resonates across all of Mastercard’s endeavors in the region.
A Global Career of Leadership and Innovation
Amnah Ajmal’s career is a testament to her ability to lead and innovate across different markets and industries. Before joining Mastercard, she held key positions in major financial institutions such as Standard Chartered and Citigroup. At Standard Chartered, Amnah led the consumer banking franchise in Malaysia and was responsible for retail banking strategy across several key markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Her expertise in managing diverse markets and driving growth was further honed during her tenure at Citigroup, where she held various leadership roles in Poland, the UK, Egypt, and the UAE.
Since joining Mastercard in 2015 as the Head of Products for the Middle East and Africa, Amnah has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Her focus on delivering digitally integrated consumer experiences has transformed how consumers and businesses interact with payment technologies. As the Executive Vice President for Market Development in EEMEA, she now oversees critical areas such as acceptance, acquiring, merchants, digital partnerships, and fintech strategy for the region. Her strategic approach to market development has ensured that Mastercard remains a key player in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
Recognition and Achievements
Amnah Ajmal’s contributions to the financial technology industry have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as one of the top 100 women in fintech by Lattice80 in 2019 and by IBM and Fintech Magazine in 2021. Additionally, she has been named among the top 25 women leaders in financial technology by the Financial Technology Report in both 2019 and 2020. In 2020, Fintech Magazine honored her as one of America’s top 10 women in fintech, further cementing her status as a global leader in the industry.
Her recognition in these prestigious rankings highlights her exceptional contributions to financial technology and her dedication to creating inclusive, innovative solutions. Amnah’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital economy has made her a role model for aspiring leaders, particularly women, in the fintech sector.
A Vision for a Priceless Tomorrow
Amnah Ajmal’s leadership at Mastercard is centered on creating a future that works for everyone. Her commitment to partnerships, innovation, and inclusion has driven meaningful change in the digital economy and has set a high standard for what can be achieved through collaboration. Whether it’s revolutionizing the retail experience with AI-powered solutions or empowering women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential, Amnah’s vision for a brighter, more inclusive future is clear.
As Mastercard continues to lead the way in the digital economy, Amnah Ajmal’s influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. Her leadership is not just about driving business success; it’s about creating a world where technology and innovation can be harnessed to improve lives and empower people. Through her work, she is paving the way for a Priceless tomorrow, where partnerships and technology create limitless possibilities for growth, inclusion, and progress.
