Sends, a UK fintech firm supplying payment tools to individuals and businesses, joined the Payments Leaders’ Summit UK, running 20 to 21 October in London. During the event, Sends boss Alona Shevtsova steered the Women in Business Lunch, gathering senior women from finance, technology and business circles to discuss leadership, career growth and the outlook for women in the sector.
Staged at the InterContinental London Park Lane on 20 October, the lunch brought together Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, and Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company.
Alona Shevtsova guided the dialogue, which covered the personal and career routes behind each leader’s rise, the role of mentors and networking, and the openings available to women pursuing careers in fields long dominated by men.
One major focus was the shifting position of women across finance and technology. Representation has climbed in recent times, yet panellists flagged hurdles that still exist, chiefly in top leadership and technical roles, plus the reforms required to broaden inclusive career paths.
“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,” noted Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.
Riding on its London involvement, Sends aims to keep working with Payments Leaders’ Summit organisers for their next gathering in Dubai in February 2027. The firm views the Middle East as a key region for building industry ties and uncovering fresh cross border prospects.
Sends keeps reinforcing its foothold in global payments. The firm revealed, in October 2026, a tie up with UnionPay International to grow both card issuing and acquiring services. This push seeks to widen international payment choices for Sends users while helping merchants tap a larger global audience, especially across Asia linked markets.
Alongside global expansion, Sends stays dedicated to improving financial service access for UK small and medium sized firms. The company unveiled a special autumn deal letting eligible businesses that open a GBP Business Payment Account append an EUR or USD account at no extra cost for opening it.
