Top Voices in Risk 2025: Meet the leaders transforming financial services

The future of financial services is being shaped by a new generation of risk leaders. People who view risk not as a constraint, but as a lever for innovation, access, and long-term growth. That’s exactly what we set out to celebrate with Taktile’s inaugural Top Voices in Risk award: a recognition program honoring the individuals changing how risk leadership works in today’s world.

Over the past few months, we invited the global financial services community to nominate peers who are driving meaningful change, whether through cutting-edge technologies, inclusive credit frameworks, or transformative team leadership. The response was remarkable, with nominations pouring in from across regions, industries, and areas of expertise.

Today, we’re proud to announce the Top Voices in Risk for 2025: a group of exceptional leaders who are turning risk into a strategic advantage and unlocking new possibilities for the financial services industry.

From AI-powered fraud detection to adaptive, responsible credit strategies, these honorees represent a bold shift in thinking: that risk should fuel progress, not hinder it.

Explore the full list of winners

At Taktile, we work alongside some of the most forward-thinking risk teams in financial services. Leaders who are not only solving today’s challenges but also continuously reimagining how risk is measured, managed, and scaled.

We launched Top Voices in Risk to shine a light on the people behind these innovations. Too often, those working in risk do so behind the scenes. This program is our way of putting them at the forefront.

To reflect the diversity of expertise across the industry, winners were selected in four categories:

Here’s a closer look at just a few of the individuals recognized this year. To view the full list of honorees, head here.

With over 15 years of experience across fintech, payments, and risk, Yuliya Kazakevich leads global efforts to advance how risk is designed, measured, and scaled across North America, Europe, and APAC. At Cash App, she is championing AI and machine learning–driven strategies that improve decision-making, reduce friction, and unlock responsible growth. Her approach positions risk as a strategic partner in product development and innovation.

“This recognition reflects a broader shift in how we think about risk — not just as a gatekeeper but as a growth enabler. At Cash App and Block, we’re focused on building risk frameworks that are adaptive, product-aligned, and designed to scale with innovation. I’m proud to be part of a community shaping the next generation of risk leadership.”

Also recognized was Jason Rosen, whose work in cash flow underwriting is reshaping how risk teams evaluate financial behavior, with a focus on inclusion and smarter decision-making.

“I'm thrilled to be recognized as one of Taktile’s 2025 Top Voices in Risk in the ‘Top Voices of Progress’ category. At Prism Data, we're giving risk teams the data and tools to make smarter, more inclusive decisions. This award is a reflection of the forward-thinking mindset that drives everything we do.”

A seasoned leader at one of Mexico’s largest and most respected financial institutions, Abraham M. Izquierdo has helped shape risk practices across capital markets and treasury operations. With a deep focus on analytical rigor and thoughtful leadership, he brings clarity to complexity in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

“Being recognized as a Top Voice in Risk is both an honor and a responsibility. In a world of evolving uncertainty, informed dialogue and thoughtful analysis matter more than ever.”

Donna-Marie Dawkins was celebrated for her leadership at the intersection of innovation and inclusion, advancing access to financial products while upholding high standards of responsibility. She was honoured to be named one of Taktile’s 2025 Top Voices in Risk.

“Risk isn’t just a control function; it’s a strategic partner that enables better decisions, more sustainable growth, and inclusive outcomes,” said Donna-Marie. “At Block, progress means moving fast, while remaining responsible and inclusive. I believe risk leadership should expand access, not restrict it, especially when designing products that serve small businesses and underserved communities.”

Dev Handa was honored for his outcome-oriented approach to credit strategy shaped by two decades of cross-industry experience in analytics, portfolio management, and investor relations.

“Risk is never static, it’s dynamic, and so are the people leading it. It’s a privilege to be recognized as a Top Voice in Risk. I’ve spent my career building and refining credit strategies, and this award is a reminder of the impact our work can have, not just on portfolios, but on people’s financial well-being.”

As financial services continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the people leading risk today are shaping the direction of the entire industry.

The Top Voices in Risk 2025 aren’t just responding to change, they’re setting the pace. From redefining credit strategies to building scalable risk systems, these leaders are proving that risk can be a powerful force for growth, inclusion, and innovation.

We’re proud to celebrate their contributions and excited to see how their work continues to move the industry forward.