Exploring Pathways to Success: Careers in Banking & Finance – Panel & Expo

Inga Bambalaite-Saliba is a Director in ANZ’s Industry & Innovation team within the Institutional business, where she helps shape the bank’s strategic response to tokenisation and digital currencies in Transaction Banking. Her career spans Lithuania, London, Amsterdam and Melbourne across global banking and early-stage blockchain startups, with roles in product, sales and executive advisory. Inga brings deep expertise in treasury transformation, digital advisory and blockchain innovation, including hands-on work on several central bank digital currency projects.

A recognised voice in Australia’s blockchain and payments landscape, she has been a finalist for the Women in Banking & Finance Innovator Award, a judge for the Australian Blockchain Industry Awards, and a speaker at major industry events. Inga holds a Master’s degree in Financial Management (High Distinction) and is a Wharton Online graduate.

Isabella Vartuli is an ANZ Institutional Graduate, on her 2nd rotation in the Institutional Capital Reforms Program. Currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Global Studies majoring in Finance and Government and Policy at La Trobe University.

Sophie Nicholas is a Graduate at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), currently part of the Institutional Banking & Markets program.

She holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she majored in Finance and Marketing. At CBA, Sophie has gained experience through rotations in Sustainable Finance and Natural Resources, Energy and Carbon, contributing to initiatives that support the bank’s strategic focus on environmental and energy transition financing.

Ivana Olsen is a seasoned banking executive with a 20+ year international career spanning The Netherlands, Singapore, and beyond. Currently, she serves as the Head of Banking and Financial Services Regulatory Risk at Macquarie, where she leverages her deep expertise in risk management, consulting, and regulatory interactions to drive impactful outcomes. During her decade in Singapore, Ivana held senior roles including CRO Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of APAC Regulatory Risk Management at Credit Suisse, where she led initiatives across Asia, implemented regulatory frameworks, and enhanced risk governance. Her career also includes consulting roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Experian, as well as strategic contributions at a leading Dutch insurance company. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and First-Class Honours graduate in Engineering from the University of Auckland, Ivana further expanded her expertise by completing the Fintech Programme at Oxford Saïd Business School. Outside of her professional achievements, Ivana is a proud mum to two children, dog, cat and three goldfish.

Tania Smith is a Chartered Environmentalist and Executive Director within CBA’s Sustainable Finance & ESG team based in Melbourne.

Tania has over 20 years of experience advising governments, investors, corporates and non-profit organisations within Australia, the UK and US on sustainability, ESG and sustainable finance. As a leader in the Australian Sustainable Finance market, Tania has helped inform industry standards and worked with some of Australia’s most prominent businesses to put innovative sustainable finance structures in place as they adapt to ever evolving regulatory and market landscapes.

Having worked across the real estate, energy, transport, water and financial sectors, Tania has a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing industry leaders across a variety of sectors and is passionate about helping Australian corporates realise the value that embracing sustainable business models can deliver.

Chris Di Guilmi is the Manager of Early Careers & Career Transition at NAB, where he leads programs that support graduates, interns, and colleagues navigating career change. With over nine years at NAB and previous recruitment leadership roles at Telstra, Chris brings deep expertise in talent management, career development, and building future-focused pathways for emerging professionals.