Dr. Ruth Wandhöfer is a leading authority at the crossroads of finance, technology, cybersecurity, and regulation, with over 23 years of experience shaping the future of the digital economy. A former Citi executive with more than a decade in senior leadership, Ruth now combines roles as independent Non-Executive Director, Head of European Markets at Blackwired, and active angel and venture investor, supporting innovation across banking, fintech, and cybersecurity. She currently serves on the board of Permanent TSB Bank in Ireland and has previously held board positions with the London Stock Exchange Group, Aquis Exchange Group, Gresham Technologies, Digital Identity Net and acted as Chair of the UK Payment Systems Regulator Panel.

Ruth is also a Visiting Professor at Bayes Business School, where she earned her PhD, teaching and advising on Fintech, Digital Money, Payments, and Financial Market Infrastructures. A sought-after keynote speaker and author, she has published three books, including Redecentralisation: Building the Digital Financial Ecosystem (2023).

Named to Innovate Finance’s Global Women in Fintech Powerlist multiple times, Ruth is a passionate advocate for digital transformation, women entrepreneurs, and work-life balance. Her career reflects a unique blend of strategic insight, regulatory expertise, and visionary leadership in driving the future of finance.