Witad Awards 2025: Risk professional of the year—Anne Leslie, IBM Cloud

What is your position within your firm?
Anne Leslie: I am the cloud risk and controls leader for the EMEA region at IBM. In this role, I lead strategic initiatives designed to help organizations, particularly in highly regulated industries such as financial services, adopt and manage cloud solutions securely. My focus is on aligning innovative technology with evolving regulatory landscapes, ensuring that operational resilience and compliance are at the heart of these transformations. This position allows me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across multiple regions, driving meaningful change in how businesses approach technology risk and third-party risk management.

How long have you worked in the financial services industry?
Leslie: I’ve been part of the financial services industry for almost 20 years, working across various roles in technology risk, compliance, sales and advisory. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the sector evolve significantly, particularly as digital transformation and cloud adoption have taken center stage. My career has given me deep insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by financial institutions as they navigate these shifts in a complex and heavily regulated environment.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it? 
Leslie: Entering the financial services industry was partly a conscious decision and partly serendipitous. I have always been passionate about technology and its potential to solve complex problems, which naturally drew me to roles at the intersection of tech and financial services. That said, some of the most exciting opportunities came unexpectedly, like when a mentor encouraged me to pivot my career to cyber security and risk management. Looking back, I realize how each step was part of a larger journey that aligned my skills and interests with the industry’s needs.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Leslie: My day-to-day responsibilities include advising clients on how to manage cloud-related risks while staying compliant with regional and industry-specific regulations. I collaborate with internal teams, clients, and regulators to design tailored solutions that enable secure cloud and AI adoption. My role also involves anticipating emerging risk management challenges, such as the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography, and working proactively to address these changes through innovative frameworks and technologies. It’s a dynamic position that combines strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of during your career in the industry to date?
Leslie: One of the highlights of my career was driving the adoption of a comprehensive cloud control framework for a major European bank, which has since become a benchmark in the industry. This project required working closely with the bank’s leadership, banking supervisors, and internal teams to ensure that the framework not only met but exceeded stakeholder expectations. It is immensely rewarding to see how the framework is enabling the bank to confidently embrace cloud adoption as a way of powering its digital transformation strategy while safeguarding its operational resilience and compliance posture in alignment with its risk appetite.

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant in the context of your position?
Leslie: Right now, I’m focused on helping financial institutions align their cloud strategies with the requirements of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). This work is incredibly significant because DORA addresses both the technological and operational resilience that are critical to the financial sector’s stability. My role involves bridging the gap between regulatory expectations and the technological, process and human capabilities needed to meet those standards, ensuring clients can innovate securely and sustainably.

Adopting new technologies, such as cloud and AI, often requires a cultural and organizational shift, which can be met with skepticism. By building trust through data-driven insights, being consistently curious and fostering open communication, I was able to demonstrate the value of innovation while addressing concerns

To what extent were you helped during your career by a mentor/role model within the business?
Leslie: Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career development. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who offered guidance, encouraged me to take on challenging roles, and believed in my potential even when I doubted myself. These mentors taught me the value of personal resilience, the importance of building strong relationships, and the courage to pursue innovative ideas even in risk-averse environments. Their support has been instrumental in shaping not only my career but also my approach to mentoring others.

To what extent does your firm have a formalized framework that seeks to identify and promote talented women and ensure they have every opportunity to realize their ambitions and contribute to the business?
Leslie: IBM has a well-established framework for promoting inclusion. Programs such as Women in Technology, Women in AI and structured mentorship schemes are aimed at identifying and nurturing talent. These initiatives are complemented by clear pathways for career development with an inclusive approach that ensures advancement for all and equal opportunities to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and reach professional goals within the organization.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome during your career in the industry to date?
Leslie: One of the most significant challenges I faced was overcoming resistance to change in traditionally conservative environments. Adopting new technologies, such as cloud and AI, often requires a cultural and organizational shift, which can be met with skepticism. By building trust through data-driven insights, being consistently curious and fostering open communication, I was able to demonstrate the value of innovation while addressing concerns. This experience taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and adaptability in driving meaningful change.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your career?
Leslie: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. No matter how complex the challenge, bringing a broad panel of perspectives together often leads to the most effective and innovative solutions. Building strong relationships, fostering trust, and encouraging open dialogue have been key to my success in navigating the intricacies of risk and compliance within the financial services industry.

What would you advise women just entering the industry?
Leslie: My advice to women entering the industry is to believe in your capabilities and take the time to build a strong professional network. Seek out mentors and sponsors who can guide you and advocate for you, and don’t hesitate to voice your ideas and perspectives. The financial services sector is constantly evolving, and women have an essential role to play in shaping its future by bringing fresh insights and solutions to the table.

What does this award mean to you?
Leslie: Receiving this award is deeply meaningful as it reflects the collective efforts of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career. It’s a moment to celebrate the progress we’re making in building resilience in the sector, while also inspiring me to continue mentoring others and advocating for innovation. This recognition is both an honor and a responsibility to keep driving impactful change in the financial services industry.