Lara Barlow | Vision to Velocity: Aligning Strategy, Structure & Culture to Deliver on What Matters Most

Excited to share my professional journey in technology, asset management, and AI-driven innovation. With 29 years of experience leading large-scale transformations and strategic technology initiatives, I am passionate about bridging the gap between finance and technology to drive meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in financial technology, risk management, and AI-driven compliance solutions. With over 25 years of experience in FinTech, Insurance Tech, and AI, I have worked with global financial institutions to drive innovation, enhance risk governance, and implement strategic transformation initiatives.

Sheena Shones is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of expertise in financial strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. As a Controller, she has successfully led organizations through financial transformations, post-acquisition integrations, and strategic growth initiatives. Her deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement enables her to optimize financial health and drive business success. With experience spanning manufacturing, service, crypto, AI, and clean energy industries, Sheena is passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can apply her expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation to help companies scale and thrive.

In a dynamic business environment, accurate and compliant financial reporting is crucial for transparency, investor trust, and sound decision-making. Outdated and complex processes, however, can jeopardize these goals, leading to errors and regulatory risks. By adopting robust financial systems, standardizing procedures, investing in team training, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, and conducting regular audits, organizations can streamline their financial reporting processes. These measures not only enhance efficiency and accuracy but also ensure consistent compliance with evolving regulatory standards, empowering executives to confidently navigate today’s financial landscape.

AI and Machine Learning are no longer just buzzwords in the financial industry—they are transformative forces reshaping everything from customer service to risk management. As major industry players like JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and HSBC demonstrate, AI has the power to optimize operations, deliver hyper-personalized services, and enhance compliance. However, adopting AI comes with challenges, such as integrating with legacy systems and ensuring ethical usage. Drawing on insights from industry leaders like Arvind Krishna and Cathy Bessant, this article delves into the evolving role of AI in finance, highlighting key use cases, strategic recommendations, and the future potential of AI-driven innovation in the sector.

Optimizing Wealth Management with Data Warehousing Data warehousing has become a cornerstone for optimizing wealth management, offering a structured and efficient way to handle vast...

Navigating financial regulations in today's digital age is increasingly complex as technology transforms how financial institutions operate. The integration of advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data is reshaping regulatory frameworks, offering enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. However, these innovations also present new challenges, requiring regulators to balance fostering innovation with maintaining financial stability and consumer protection. International cooperation is essential, as digital finance often crosses borders. By embracing technology and promoting collaboration between regulators and fintech companies, a resilient and innovative regulatory environment can be achieved.