Sara O'Keane

Managing Director at Barclays Investment Bank

Speaker

Sara is a seasoned investment banking executive passionate about digital transformation and innovation in shaping the future of finance. She is highly proficient in seamlessly aligning strategy and risk management to grow alpha and market share by utilising technology as a differentiator, including the use of responsible AI.

Sara boasts a wealth of leadership experience. Prior to joining Barclays, Sara was the Chief Risk Officer and Head of Investment Oversight Committee for a global investment manager. Throughout her career as a banker and management consultant, Sara has advised boards and executive teams of the world’s largest financial services firms across EMEA, APAC, and North America. Her counsel has extended to strategy, M&A transactions, AI, and sustainability. Notably, Sara has been a trusted advisor to regulators, governments, and other policy makers on how best to approach and understand such critical matters.

Sara is a Certified Board Director in the USA, a Steering Committee member of 100 Women in Finance, a member of European Women on Boards Technology Executive Group, and a member of National Association of Corporate Directors, New York Chapter.