WiBF and NAB Event: Women in Markets – ‘Leading through Change’

Sarah Samson joined National Australia Bank in 2010 and currently holds the role of Executive, Capital Markets – Origination and Distribution.  This encompasses the origination, execution, and distribution of debt capital markets products (including securitisation and hybrids and equity capital products), the public syndicate function, fixed income sales, and sustainable finance.  Sarah is a current Board member of the NAB subsidiary, National Trust Services Limited, and a former member of the Australian Securitisation Forum National Committee and Chair of the Women in Securitisation sub-committee. Sarah previously held the role of Executive Capital Markets, and Global Head of Securitisation Origination, and has a double undergraduate degree from Monash University (Business Management and Business Marketing), and a Masters of Applied Finance (Melbourne University).

Melissa Saadat is a senior leader in Compliance, supporting the Corporate & Institutional Bank at NAB. A qualified lawyer, Melissa began her career at ASIC, gaining deep expertise in financial services regulation across markets, banking and consumer credit. She has since held senior Compliance roles at RBS in London, UBS Australia, and Macquarie Group. Melissa brings a comprehensive understanding of financial services law, coupled with a leadership style that champions inclusion, curiosity, and collaboration. She is known for fostering constructive engagement with stakeholders and building strong partnerships across the organisation.

Sally Auld is the Chief Economist at National Australia Bank, where she leads economic and fixed income research for the Australian and New Zealand markets. With deep expertise in financial markets and a proven track record of building trusted client relationships, Sally is widely regarded for her insight, strategic thinking, and clear communication.

Prior to joining NAB, Sally held senior leadership roles including Managing Director and Chief Economist at J.P. Morgan, and Chief Investment Officer at JBWere. Her career has also included roles at Barclays Capital and across NAB’s private wealth division.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Economics with First Class Honours and the University Medal from The University of Sydney, and a Doctorate in Economics from Oxford University. She is Chair of the SCEGGS Darlinghurst Board and serves on several prominent committees, including the Public Policy Committee of the Grattan Institute and the RBA Shadow Board.

Krista Baetens currently leads the Global Markets team at NAB, bringing over 25 years of international banking experience across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the United States. Her expertise spans wholesale and retail banking, business transformation, governance, and risk. She holds a Master of Law from the University of Leuven (Belgium), speaks seven languages, and is a qualified business and personal coach. Krista describes her leadership style as coaching-oriented, focused on empowering teams to thrive and perform.

Helen Mann is a Senior People & Culture Business Partner at NAB, supporting the Executives of Markets and Client Coverage. With over 25 years of experience in banking and finance, Helen has partnered with senior leaders across investment banking, wealth management, and financial markets to deliver transformation, build high-performing cultures, and develop the next generation of leaders. Helen is known for her ability to create engaging, inclusive conversations that connect people to strategy and inspire action. She combines her deep understanding of the financial services industry with her passion for diversity and inclusion to ensure every voice in the room feels heard and valued.