Reefat Maniar

Reefat Maniar is a results-driven and strategic leader with over a decade of experience in the financial services sector. She is passionate about progressive leadership and workplace transformation having recently embarked on an executive leadership course at the University of Oxford. With a strong foundation in internal audit, she leads initiatives that enhance business performance, improve operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. She has a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and leading seamless transitions with precision and agility. Reefat is recognised for her analytical mindset, decisive leadership, and the ability to foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. 

Specializing in regulatory risk and governance within internal audit function, she adds value by identifying process inefficiencies, recommending improvements and strengthening internal controls to mitigate risks at all levels. Her expertise lies in gap analysis, delivering actionable recommendations, and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.

Culture & People Initiatives

Beyond her operational role, Reefat is deeply committed to cultivating a workplace culture that is inclusive, empowering, and purpose-driven. As a passionate advocate for wellbeing and diversity, she actively champions initiatives that support employee mental health, promote gender equity, and build a sense of belonging. Her vision is to create a workplace that people genuinely look forward to being a part of, one that is high-performing, yet human-centric.

She completed an executive leadership programme at the University of Oxford, further strengthening her ability to lead cultural transformation and embed people-first values within the firm.

Leadership Approach

Reefat is a proactive and solution oriented leader who thrives in dynamic, high pressure environments. She has deep specialisation in internal audit, risk assessment, and governance projects and is known for her ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams through clear, empathetic communication.

Membership

Member - UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE IAA)

Education

• Executive Leadership Programme, University of Oxford, UK
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• BSc in Accounting and Economics, Cardiff University, UK

Expertise

• Internal Audit, Risk, Governance, COO Operations, Financial Services
• IT advisory, Diversity and inclusion, Culture & Wellbeing, Innovation