Sends operates as a UK fintech firm. It supplies payment solutions to private users and companies. The business attended the Payments Leaders’ Summit UK. This event unfolded over 20 and 21 October. London served as the host city. During the gathering, Sends’ top executive Alona Shevtsova directed the Women in Business Lunch. She assembled influential women spanning finance, technology and commerce. Their talk covered leadership, career building and what lies ahead for women in this field.
This lunch happened on 20 October. The InterContinental London Park Lane hosted it. Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, took part. Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company, took part too.
Alona Shevtsova steered the exchange. Speakers reflected on personal and career paths that shaped them as leaders. They weighed the value of mentors and strong networks. They looked at openings for women pursuing careers in sectors long run by men.
One key topic was how women’s standing in finance and technology keeps changing. Representation has grown recently. Yet obstacles remain, notably in senior leadership and specialist technical roles. Panellists weighed the reforms still needed for broader, more 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,” observed Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.
After London, Sends intends to keep collaborating with organisers of the Payments Leaders’ Summit. Their next event takes place in Dubai, scheduled for February 2027. The company sees the Middle East as a strong market for forging industry links and exploring fresh global partnerships.
Sends keeps expanding across international payments. In October 2026, it announced cooperation with UnionPay International. This covers growth in card issuing and acquiring capability. The aim: widen payment choices for Sends customers and help merchants reach more global shoppers, especially in Asia linked markets.
Beyond its global ambitions, Sends keeps working to widen financial access across the UK. Its focus includes small and medium sized firms. The company has rolled out a new autumn deal. Businesses that open a GBP Business Payment Account can add an EUR or USD account too, at no extra opening cost.
