Global Head of Programmes & Strategic Initiatives, Barclays

Sonal has been responsible for designing, developing, and leading Global Fintech Innovation Programmes and Strategic Initiatives for Barclays Group Innovation.  Based out of the Rise Lab in London and New York, her team support the development of the Barclays FinTech Ecosystem and identify strategic opportunities for co-investment, co-branding and co-creation.  Some examples of the programmes in the portfolio she runs includes Female Innovators Lab Fund, Rise Start-up Academy and Barclays Fintech Venture Studio in partnership with Rainmaking. 
Prior to working in Barclays Innovation, Sonal worked for Barclays Investment Bank in eFX Sales working with some of the largest Asset Managers, Hedge Funds and Banks across Europe and the UK. Before joining Barclays, Sonal worked in sales roles at a number of finance technology companies including; TradingScreen and Bloomberg, which triggered her desire for working in FinTech and Innovation.  Sonal holds a BSc in Economics and Geography from University College London.