"Embrace calculated risks" - Rabia, Head of Finance, Cadana

Welcome to Inside Cadana! This is where we give you a peek behind the curtain to meet the amazing people who make Cadana what it is. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Rabia Sheikh, our Head of Finance.

Rabia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from her early days in traditional banking to diving headfirst into the world of fintech. In this interview, she shares what drew her to Cadana, how she stays on top of the ever-evolving finance world, and what keeps her motivated. Spoiler alert: she’s all about making a real impact; let’s dive in!

Welcome to the team, Rabia! Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what led you to join Cadana?

Thank you for the warm welcome! A bit about my journey: I began my career at the New York City branch of a foreign bank as a financial controller, where I gained extensive experience managing financial operations and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. From there, I transitioned into the fintech space, working with CFSB and Wise, which deepened my passion for innovative financial solutions and the dynamic nature of fintech.

What really drew me to Cadana was its inspiring mission and vision; during my first meeting with Albert and Ameer, I felt an immediate connection. Their humility, leadership style, and genuine passion for what they're building were energizing. I deeply connected with their vision and the impact Cadana is creating in the payments space. The collaborative, family-like culture makes this an exciting and fulfilling place to work.

In finance, keeping up with the industry is crucial. How do you stay updated with changes and innovations in the field?

I'd say staying ahead of trends and innovations in finance is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and delivering value. I actively pursue continuous learning through industry publications, webinars, and conferences to stay informed about emerging technologies and regulatory changes. Networking with peers and professionals has proven invaluable—these exchanges consistently spark fresh perspectives. Within Cadana, I work closely with my team to leverage emerging practices and tools that enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and ensure compliance with evolving financial regulations. This dedication to continuous learning helps me align our financial strategies with both current trends and long-term objectives.

Finance roles come with unique challenges, especially in fintech. What drives you to tackle these challenges head-on?

Finance roles in the fast-paced world of fintech present unique challenges—from navigating regulatory complexities to scaling financial systems and maintaining compliance while fostering innovation. What drives me to tackle these challenges head-on is the opportunity to create real impact.

The dynamic nature of fintech energizes me, as each challenge offers a chance to reimagine traditional approaches and craft innovative solutions. I thrive on collaborating with talented teams to build efficient, resilient, and scalable systems. Being part of transformative initiatives—whether simplifying payments or expanding financial access—keeps me passionate about my work.

At Cadana, I find it especially fulfilling that our work directly supports businesses and communities through more seamless and reliable payment solutions. This meaningful impact makes every challenge we face worthwhile.

What do you enjoy most about working at Cadana so far?

What I enjoy most about working at Cadana is the incredible leadership and vibrant, supportive culture. Albert and Ameer are inspiring leaders—they're visionaries who remain humble and approachable, making collaboration a natural part of our daily work. Their guidance creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas and take initiative.

The culture at Cadana truly stands out. Here, innovation thrives alongside deep-rooted respect and trust. Our team feels like a family, and this unity makes both challenges and victories easier to navigate together. We share a genuine commitment to the company's mission, which drives us to deliver our best work every day.

Being part of such a dynamic and supportive team is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.

What’s something about you that might surprise your new colleagues?

One thing that might surprise my new colleagues is my competitive nature, especially in sports. Growing up, I practically lived on the court—playing racquetball and tennis—spending countless summer hours honing my skills. This competitive spirit taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, focus, and striving for excellence. It's never been just about winning; it's about pushing myself to improve and raising the bar higher each time.

This competitive mindset has naturally carried over into my professional life, where I thrive on tackling challenges and finding innovative solutions. I'm energized when working with a team toward a shared goal, bringing that same athletic drive for excellence to my work each day.

If you could have a conversation with any finance icon, past or present, who would it be, and what would you ask them?

If I could have a conversation with any finance icon, it would be Warren Buffett. His approach to value investing, long-term strategy, and unwavering commitment to business integrity has always fascinated me. I would love to learn about the core principles that have shaped his investment decisions over the decades, especially how he navigates the delicate balance between risk and opportunity in ever-changing markets.

My journey has been one of growth and evolution. I spent 14 years in traditional banking, where I gained a strong foundation in financial operations and developed a deep understanding of managing complex financial systems. Over time, I became increasingly fascinated by the transformative potential of technology in finance, which led me to transition into fintech. Most recently, I worked with CFSB and Wise, where I was fortunate to be part of innovative teams shaping the future of financial accessibility.

After my first meeting with Albert and Ameer, we connected so well that I immediately resonated with the vision of Cadana and what they were building. I was genuinely excited to join the company and be a part of their mission. Both Albert and Ameer were so humble and easy to work with that it truly feels like a family. Joining Cadana felt like the perfect next step to align my experiences and passion with a team driven to make a real difference.

Beyond that, I'm curious about his perspective on the finance industry's transformation, particularly with fintech's emergence, and his vision for the future of financial markets. His wisdom on leadership, decision-making, and maintaining steadfast long-term vision amid short-term pressures would be truly enlightening.

When you’re not focused on numbers and strategy, what hobbies or interests do you like to explore (or wish you had more time for)?

Outside of numbers and strategy, I find balance through activities that help me recharge. Swimming has become one of my favorite pursuits. Though I didn't learn as a child, I've recently started taking lessons and am making steady progress. What began as a challenge—overcoming my fear of submerging my head—has transformed into one of the most refreshing parts of my routine. Swimming helps me stay focused, determined, and relaxed, though I wish I could dedicate more time to it.

Another passion of mine is cycling. Growing up, it was a cherished family tradition—my sisters and I would pedal around our local park and explore everywhere we could on our bikes. I'm excited to pass this tradition on to my kids next summer, teaching them to ride and creating new family memories together.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest financial challenge for fintech companies?

The biggest financial challenge facing fintech companies is navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As the industry disrupts traditional financial systems, regulations across regions are rapidly evolving. Fintech companies must maintain compliance while staying agile and innovative—a delicate balance that becomes even more crucial when entering new markets or launching new products.

Scalability presents another major challenge. Growing fintech companies need to innovate continuously while managing operational costs, security risks, and customer expectations effectively. The key to long-term success lies in developing a sustainable business model that balances aggressive growth with consistent profitability.

Finally, earning and maintaining customer trust remains critical. Since fintech companies handle sensitive financial data, they must ensure transparency, security, and reliability in every interaction. In today's digital-first environment, building customer trust requires unwavering attention to data privacy and security, coupled with the delivery of seamless, user-friendly experiences.

What advice would you give to someone just starting a career in finance, especially in the fintech industry?

For those starting a career in finance, particularly in fintech, I'd emphasize the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. The fintech industry evolves rapidly, making it crucial to stay current with trends, technologies, and regulatory changes. Focus on understanding core technologies like digital payments, blockchain, and data analytics—they're reshaping finance as we know it.

Building a strong foundation in traditional finance principles is just as vital. While fintech drives innovation, mastering fundamentals like risk management, compliance, and financial modeling remains invaluable.

Remember that collaboration drives success in fintech. Working across teams—from technology to product development to marketing—will expand your perspective and deepen your understanding of how financial products come to life.

Finally, embrace calculated risks. Fintech thrives on innovation and disruption, so challenge conventional thinking and approach problems creatively. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities—this field offers countless exciting paths to explore.