Bijna is a banker-turned-venture capitalist and entrepreneur with an extensive background in the financial services industry. She has served on the boards of various companies worldwide, including celebrities, monarchies, listed companies, advisory businesses, financial services institutions, funds, and other firms. Her roles have included Managing & Operating Partner, Advisor to / Member of the Investment Committee, and (Non) Executive Director.
Throughout her career, Bijna has held senior management positions in prestigious institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, SSgA, Lloyds, and Morgan Stanley. She has managed assets under management (AUM) and portfolios, led commercial and product strategies, overseen operations, transformation, and innovation initiatives. She has worked in the UK, EMEA, the Americas, and Asia, gaining experience and expertise in the financial services sector over two decades. Additionally, Bijna has provided advisory services to firms in the areas of RegTech and Fintech.
In her various roles, Bijna has demonstrated accountability to the firms' boards and regulatory compliance. She has worked closely with regulators on audit, compliance, firm strategy, governance, risk management, reporting, investment planning, portfolio management, and human capital management. She has also taken on Human Capital roles, leading Internal Complaints Committees, Diversity and Inclusion Councils, and executive groups focused on equitable compensation policies, diversity hiring, and equality in policy. She has spearheaded global programs supporting People, Performance, Culture, and Talent development.
In her philanthropic endeavors, Bijna serves as an appointed member of the United Nations (UN) Women UK delegation, actively engaged with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). She is an ambassador for Surviving Economic Abuse, a registered UK charity, and has contributed to legislative changes for policies related to economic abuse. Bijna holds advisory roles on various boards, including Cajigo, the Global Fintech Convergence Council, the Inclusive Companies Network, and FinTech Connect. She also serves as a Host and Judge for a range of initiatives and awards in the fintech and technology sectors.
Bijna is a sought-after thought leader and has addressed audiences globally, featuring in prominent events and publications. She has authored Thought Leadership papers and co-authored or featured in several publications and books. She has been recognized and honored for her contributions and achievements in diversity and inclusion, equity and venture capital, digital leadership, and business excellence. These recognitions include honors from prestigious organizations, media outlets, and events such as the Global Women Leadership Awards, Fortune India, Yahoo Finance, and the World Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME), among others.
Bijna's academic background includes being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA), and holding degrees from Oriel College, University of Oxford, and Leicester Castle Business School, De Montfort University. She also possesses professional qualifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) Qualification, Investment Administration Qualification authorized by the Securities and Investment Institute (UK), and a license to practice and operate Recruitment and Talent Management practices certified by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (UK).
Overall, Bijna's impressive career spans various leadership roles in the financial services sector, coupled with her philanthropic work and contributions to thought leadership and diversity initiatives. Her expertise and achievements have been recognized globally, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the industry.
