Karyl Akilian

Director, Marketing and Business Development, Financial Alliance for Women

Karyl Akilian is a global expert in women’s financial inclusion with over 20 years of experience in banking, marketing, and product innovation. As Director of Marketing and Business Development at the Financial Alliance for Women, she leads global marketing strategy, strengthens thought leadership, and supports financial institutions in designing and scaling Women’s Market programs.

She plays a key role in expanding the Alliance’s global reach, advising members on customer-centric value propositions that drive both growth and impact. Karyl has led major initiatives, including a full organizational rebrand, global digital platforms, and international summits. She is also a sought-after speaker and trainer for financial institutions and development organizations worldwide.

Before joining the Alliance, she spent over a decade at BLC Bank Lebanon, where she helped build the award-winning “We Initiative,” a globally recognized women’s banking program. She holds an MBA and a degree in Computer Science from the American University of Beirut.