Maria Ribeiro Head: Strategy and Business Transformation, and CIO: CIB Digital, CIB Technology, Standard Bank

There are many different reasons why people want to join the financial sector and take advantage of the opportunities technology unlocks for real, tangible financial value for people and businesses. This is what motivates Standard Bank’s Head: Strategy and Business Transformation, and CIO: CIB Digital, CIB Technology, Maria Ribeiro.

“At Standard Bank’s Corporate Investment Banking (CIB), we’re not just digitising for the sake of it, we’re reimagining how clients experience banking, how we deliver services, and how we create sustainable value,” she says. “That’s powerful. When it comes to inspiring other women to become a part of this space, I share with them that the technology space is one that needs their own perspective and that you don’t have to be a coder to make an impact.

“Be it strategy, design, data, or transformation, there’s room for all of us – and you don’t have to follow a linear path. Some of my biggest growth moments came from lateral moves or unexpected challenges. What matters is staying anchored in your values and being open to learning. “We’re building frameworks that help people map their growth, but the real magic happens when you take ownership of your journey.

“There are multiple particularly valuable leadership qualities women leaders bring to the workplace. Women often bring a systems view, seeing the connections between people, processes, and outcomes. We lead with empathy, but also with precision. In a space like CIB Technology, where we’re balancing innovation with risk, that kind of leadership is invaluable.”

Ribeiro says in order to nurture and grow the people in her teams, what has benefited her for talent attraction and retention is leading with intention and care.

“I believe in creating clarity, not just in goals, but in purpose. As a business, we’ve been deliberate about building a culture that values growth, experimentation, and belonging. What works for me is being present, really listening to what people say so as to identify what they need to thrive, and then backing that up with action. Whether it’s through our career lanes framework or our people days, we’re creating space for people to grow and feel seen.”

Ribeiro adds that mentorship is about sharing the map and sponsorship is about opening doors for others. “I do both. I’ve seen first-hand how a well-timed nudge or a name dropped in the right room can change someone’s trajectory. In tech, where visibility can be a challenge, this is non-negotiable. It’s how we build a pipeline that’s not just diverse but thriving. To the corporate technology sector, both are vitally important for talent attraction and retention.”

The qualities Ribeiro attributes to her reaching her current position include curiosity, resilience, hard work and a deep belief in people. She stays the course when things get tough and genuinely cares about the people she works with – which have helped her to lead transformation in a space as complex as CIB.

Ribeiro adds that she has seen positive changes in the workplace – particularly more inclusion of women in the ICT sector.

“We’re seeing more women in leadership, more intentional hiring, and more conversations about inclusion that go beyond lip service. Our design and technology strategies are being shaped by diverse voices, and it shows in the work we’re doing.”

However, asked why she believes women are still underrepresented in tech, with around 39.5% of local technology roles filled by women, according to the IITPSA, she says representation is about more than numbers. It’s about culture. “If women don’t feel like they belong, they won’t stay. We’re tackling this through multiple initiatives. We also need to start earlier, getting young women of school-going age excited about technology careers and showing them that this world is theirs too.

“To overcome the negatives and turn these into positives, my advice to women is, ‘don’t internalise the noise’. You are not the problem. Find your people, build your confidence, and keep showing up. Every time you take up space, you make it easier for the next woman to do the same. Women can achieve their personal and career objectives by believing in their potential, seeking suitable mentors and sponsors, continuous skills development, developing strong networks, and self-advocacy. “Women building STEM careers, particularly in technology, should grab opportunities with both hands. Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, data management and analytics, process automation and cybersecurity are already changing the way we work. Your skills are desperately needed.”

Passionate about digital inclusion and youth empowerment, Ribeiro believes that access to technology and education can change the trajectory of communities. She supports causes that equip young women with the digital skills and leadership training that accelerate change.

“My involvement started with a simple question: What would I have needed at 18? And it’s grown from there. My motivation is underlined by witnessing the many challenges women face in the workplace. I’m deeply committed to promoting female leadership, mentoring young women both personally and professionally. I am involved in education and technology initiatives for underprivileged children and schools, promoting digital literacy programmes and smart classrooms.”

Ribeiro highlights that transformation is not a project. It’s a mindset demanding that IT leaders build the same agility and flexibility in their teams that they expect from the technologies they deploy, being mindful of encouraging diversity for organisational growth.

“As leaders, we must align IT with business goals, stability, security, and digital transformation initiatives. Simultaneously we should inspire our teams to embrace change, adaptability and continuous learning, to deliver meaningful solutions for internal and external clients.

“At Standard Bank, we’re not just building systems. We’re building futures. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s doing that with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to people,” she concludes.

www.standardbank.co.za/cib