RIYADH — Yara Bugis, a Saudi female student from Effat University, has been named the winner of the EY KSA Corporate Finance Woman of the Year (CFWY) award at a ceremony held in Riyadh. Yara was selected from a group of six finalists who competed at the national level in the Kingdom. Following her win, Yara will now compete against finalists from 21 other countries, including: Australia, Bahrain, Germany, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States at the global level.

Held for the second time in Saudi Arabia, the CFWY competition is an initiative by EY to identify future Saudi talent and encourage the next generation of female finance professionals to explore unconventional sectors within the industry.

The finalists in the competition included Anoud Saber from King Abdulaziz University, Buna AlFahr from King Saud University, Lolwah Binsaedan from AlFaisal University, Nada AlJumah from King Saud university, and Nawal AlShaiban from Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University. All participants demonstrated exceptional critical thinking during the process, highlighting the aptitude and skillfulness that they will bring to the finance industry in the country.

Yara Bugis, the 2019 Saudi Arabia winner of the ‘EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year’ title and a student of Effat University, said: “I am proud to be named as this year’s EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year for Saudi Arabia. It was a transformative experience for my education to apply the financial knowledge I have to a real business case study and learn new concepts directly from EY professionals. This win has empowered me and given me the confidence to further explore what the world of transaction advisory services has in store for me, and the potential that a career in this field has. I also look forward to representing my country at the global competition in Rome and hope to bring home the first global win for the region.”

The win will also see Yara Bugis secure an internship with EY, along with an opportunity to join the Graduate Program.

Rana Sanyoura, Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) Partner and CFWY Sponsor, EY, said: “This is the second year of the CFWY awards in Saudi Arabia and the feedback on the candidates has been very encouraging given how talented and resourceful they are. It is truly inspiring to learn about these female students’ stories and ambitions. I am confident this experience will drive a tangible positive change for Saudi women who seek career opportunities in transaction services and corporate finance across the public and private sector. EY is delighted that it is able to do its part to support Saudi females and empower them to build a better tomorrow for themselves and their country.”

The competition for the Corporate Finance Woman of the Year award in Saudi Arabia received applications from several universities across the country. The submission process required candidates to determine how they would create a lasting legacy as a future Saudi leader. They were also required to offer their points of view on a recent business transaction in Saudi Arabia that was of interest to them. Following deliberations, the finalists presented their answers to the regional leadership and Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) professionals from EY, along with group workshops and one-to-one interviews. — SG