Welcome to our H1 WiRE Connect — the first gathering of 2026 for the UKI Women in Risk Executive community. As we kick off the year, we’re excited to bring together senior women in risk, trusted allies, and future leaders to reconnect, share experiences, and set the tone for the months ahead.
This Connect will focus on Allyship in Action - bringing senior leaders and rising allies together for a candid, practical panel on what everyday allyship looks like in risk and financial services—followed by relaxed networking over drinks and passed food. Expect real stories, actionable ideas, and simple plays you can take back to your team the next day.
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as part of our growing community, we’re thrilled to have you with us as we begin another impactful year together.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 1.00 pm | Arrival |
| 1:30 pm | Welcome |
| 1:40 pm | WiRE Panel - Allyship That Moves the Needle: From Intention to Impact Allyship isn’t a slogan—it’s a practice. This WiRE panel brings senior leaders and rising allies together to unpack what effective allyship looks like in risk, finance, and tech functions where decisions shape careers, culture, and customer outcomes. We’ll move beyond “supportive words” to the day‑to‑day actions that open doors: how to sponsor women into stretch roles, counter bias in succession and pay processes, intervene in the moment, and use data to track progress without falling into performative reporting. Panellists will share frank lessons learned—what worked, what backfired, and how they course‑corrected—plus simple plays attendees can start tomorrow. You’ll leave with a practical allyship checklist, ideas for measurable commitments, and ways to build momentum in your team, not just in the room. Moderator: Lisa Ardley-Price, Managing Legal Counsel & Global Co-Chair of NatWest Gender Network, NatWest. Panellists: Andres Aponte Ortiz, Head of Modal Governance, Barclays Monica Hall, Senior Model Risk Manager, Barclays Jorge Bronze, Head of Business Credit Risk, Virgin Money Kerry Hilton, Head of Retail SME & Non-Financial Risk Modelling, Virgin Money Mark Thundercliffe, Former CRO, HSBC & Virgin Money |
| 2:40 pm | WiRE Member Discussion & Standing Networking Lunch |
| 5.00 pm onwards | Post Event Networking Drinks |
Become a part of our vision and help more women rise to leadership in risk and financial services. Please confirm your attendance by filling out the form, and we’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Register
Location
The Fable
52 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN
Thursday 23rd April, 1pm onwards