Within the broader discourse on payments innovation, Sends, a UK based fintech delivering payment infrastructure for individuals and businesses, featured prominently at the Payments Leaders’ Summit UK, which extended across 20 and 21 October, staged in London. Among the sessions, Sends’ chief executive Alona Shevtsova took the role of moderator for the Women in Business Lunch, an occasion that drew together senior figures from financial services, technology and commerce to examine leadership trajectories, professional growth and the outlook for women within the sector.
Convened at the InterContinental London Park Lane on 20 October, the lunch brought together industry contributors including Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, and Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company.
Under the stewardship of Alona Shevtsova, delegates considered the formative personal and professional experiences underpinning their leadership, examined how mentorship and professional networks contribute to advancement, and assessed the scope for women to establish careers within sectors historically shaped by male leadership.
A recurring analytical thread concerned the shifting position occupied by women across finance and technology. Representation at senior levels has strengthened in recent years, yet delegates highlighted structural barriers that persist, particularly within executive leadership and technical disciplines, prompting reflection on what further reform is needed to widen inclusive career pathways.
“Leadership is not simply about reaching a certain position. It is about taking responsibility, creating opportunities for others and building an environment where people can grow. Discussions like this are important because they allow us to share real experiences, learn from one another and encourage more women to take an active role in shaping the future of financial services,” reflected Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.
Extending from its participation in London, Sends anticipates furthering its partnership with Payments Leaders’ Summit organisers at the forthcoming edition scheduled for Dubai in February 2027. The business regards the Middle East as a strategically significant market for cultivating industry relationships and pursuing further international collaboration.
Sends continues to consolidate its position across international payments infrastructure. In October 2026, the firm disclosed a cooperative arrangement with UnionPay International, intended to advance both card issuing and acquiring functions. The initiative is designed to extend international payment capability for Sends clients while enabling merchants to access a wider global customer base, particularly across markets connected to Asia.
Parallel to its international expansion, Sends maintains a focus on improving financial service accessibility for small and medium sized enterprises across the UK. The firm has introduced a limited autumn initiative permitting eligible businesses that open a GBP Business Payment Account to incorporate an EUR or USD account without incurring any supplementary account opening fee.
