Alona Shevtsova of Sends Chairs Women in Business Lunch at London Payments Leaders’ Summit

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Sends, a UK based fintech firm offering payment services to consumers and companies, took part in the Payments Leaders’ Summit UK, staged on 20 and 21 October in the capital. During the gathering, Sends chief executive Alona Shevtsova chaired the Women in Business Lunch, drawing together senior women from financial services, technology and the wider business world to discuss leadership, career progression and what lies ahead for women in the sector.

Held on 20 October at the InterContinental London Park Lane, the session included Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, alongside Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company.

With Alona Shevtsova guiding proceedings, panellists reflected on the personal and professional paths that have shaped their leadership, the value of mentors and networks, and the prospects open to women forging careers in sectors historically dominated by men.

A key strand of the discussion concerned how women’s standing within finance and technology continues to shift. Although female representation has improved of late, speakers acknowledged the obstacles that persist, especially at senior and technical levels, and considered what must change to widen access to career opportunities.

“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,” Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, remarked.

Following its presence in London, Sends intends to further its partnership with the Payments Leaders’ Summit organisers at their forthcoming Dubai event in February 2027. The business regards the Middle East as a significant market for forging industry connections and pursuing fresh avenues for cross border cooperation.

Sends continues to build its standing within international payments. Back in October 2026, the firm unveiled a partnership with UnionPay International aimed at advancing both card issuing and acquiring functions. This move is intended to broaden international payment options for Sends clients while supporting merchants in reaching a wider worldwide customer base, notably across Asia linked markets.

Beyond its international growth plans, Sends is also committed to widening access to financial services for small and medium sized enterprises across the UK. The firm has launched a limited autumn promotion enabling qualifying businesses that open a GBP Business Payment Account to also add an EUR or USD account without incurring an extra account opening charge.