The Payments Leaders’ Summit UK unfolded in London on 20 and 21 October, with Sends, a UK registered fintech delivering payment technology to private customers and companies, taking an active part throughout. During the gathering, the firm’s chief executive, Alona Shevtsova, presided over the Women in Business Lunch, uniting prominent women across finance, technology and commerce to debate leadership, career advancement and the future awaiting women in the industry.
Convened on 20 October within the InterContinental London Park Lane, the lunch featured Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, together with Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company.
Guided by Alona Shevtsova, the conversation ranged across the personal and professional milestones behind each leader’s path, the role mentors and professional networks play in advancement, and the opportunities now available to women pursuing careers in fields historically led by men.
A recurring focus of the exchange was the shifting place of women within finance and technology. Representation has risen in recent years, yet attendees pointed to barriers that still exist, particularly at senior and technical levels, and weighed the reforms required to broaden inclusive career pathways.
“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,” concluded Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.
Following its involvement in London, Sends plans to extend its partnership with the organisers of the Payments Leaders’ Summit at their next instalment, set for Dubai in February 2027. The firm views the Middle East as a key market for building industry relationships and pursuing further international cooperation.
Sends continues to build its footprint within international payments. In October 2026, the company confirmed a partnership with UnionPay International to develop both card issuing and acquiring functions. The move is designed to broaden the international payment options available to Sends customers while helping merchants access a wider global audience, particularly across Asia connected markets.
Alongside these international efforts, Sends remains committed to widening access to financial services for small and medium sized businesses across the UK. The firm has introduced a limited autumn offer allowing qualifying businesses that open a GBP Business Payment Account to add an EUR or USD account without facing any extra account opening fee.
