For International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Head of UK Compliance Hannah Razzak tells us about her career journey and those who helped her along the way.

Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience:
I am Head of UK Compliance at BMS Group, reporting into the Group Compliance Director. I have worked at BMS Group for coming up to eight years, I joined the team in an entry level position and am now in this new broker advisory role as of January last year as well as proudly line managing our junior team members.

Can you describe your career progression to reach your current position?
From the moment I started secondary school, I aspired to become a corporate lawyer. From the age of 11, I did everything within my means to pursue that goal. I worked hard at school and went on to study History at the University of Liverpool in 2012, where I had an incredible experience and graduated with a 2:1. Following that, I completed my law conversion course (the GDL) and passed successfully.

Throughout university, I took every opportunity to move closer to my dream – attending insight days, completing work placements, and meeting with law firms in the hope of securing that coveted role. The legal field is highly competitive, and while I came close on several occasions, I never quite managed to land the position I had hoped for. Determined not to give up, I took a role at a legal services company that worked closely with the very law firms I aspired to join. It was demanding, but it was during this time that I had a real shift in perspective about what I wanted to do with my life. I realised that I had valuable skills and just needed to find the right niche to apply them.

Many graduates end up in compliance, as it offers the chance to work closely with legal teams and make good use of a law degree, GDL, and practical experience. I found myself entering the insurance sector, starting in an entry-level role on BMS’s compliance team, which at the time consisted of just three people. I was fortunate to have a brilliant colleague who truly invested in my development, providing guidance and creating a safe space to learn. No question was ever too small, and her support was invaluable as I grew into the role.

Seven years later, I am proud to be the Head of UK Compliance, responsible for overseeing our UK-based broking teams. I’ve worked incredibly hard to develop the skills required, and as the market and world around us continue to evolve, I remain committed to ongoing growth and learning.

It might be unusual to have stayed in my first job in insurance, but I’ve found BMS has changed and grown so much since 2017, I’ve felt like I’ve worked at about three different companies since then!

What are practical steps young women can take for a career at BMS?
Be curious and inquisitive! At BMS, we regularly host Discovery Days and work experience opportunities, giving you the chance to meet people from across the business and see if BMS is the right fit for you. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help you gain invaluable insights into our dynamic and diverse work environment.

When it comes to networking, stay motivated and make the most of every opportunity – even if it feels like a bit of a chore at times. Building your industry knowledge through conversations and connections not only boosts your confidence but also helps you stand out in interviews and on application forms. It’s essential to clearly articulate your experience – whether gained through school, volunteering, part-time work or other activities – to maximise your chances of success.

BMS is an incredibly varied place to work, so it’s worth taking the time to explore the breadth of what we do. Personally, I work in compliance, but our broking teams focus on industries spanning everything from cyber to property, energy to construction and beyond. The sheer diversity of sectors and the range of risks our teams help clients navigate is truly fascinating.

One of the things we really pride ourselves on as a business is our ability to collaborate and work together as a team – whether that’s across different industry specialisms or with colleagues in offices around the world. If you’re applying for a role with us, demonstrating that you’re a genuine team player will definitely make you stand out.

Why is CSR important to your organisation?
CSR is hugely important to BMS, and we take it incredibly seriously. As a business that inherently deals with risk, we see first-hand how a changing and volatile world can leave individuals and communities vulnerable. This awareness drives us to ensure that we are structured to support those in need – both locally and globally – through community outreach, charitable initiatives, and promoting inclusion.

A key focus of our CSR strategy is addressing the historic lack of representation within the insurance industry. It’s well known that the sector has traditionally struggled to reflect the diversity of the wider society it serves – something we are committed to changing. We aim to provide greater access to the insurance profession for individuals who may not have previously considered it a viable career path. By doing so, we break down barriers and encourage fresh perspectives that strengthen our industry.

To support this vision, we have partnered with outstanding organisations such as ELBA, helping us connect with diverse talent and offer meaningful career opportunities. One of our flagship initiatives is our apprenticeship programme, which has been hugely successful and is now in its second iteration. This programme not only nurtures new talent but also reinforces our commitment to inclusion and social impact.

At BMS, we recognise that building a more inclusive and equitable industry is an ongoing journey. We are dedicated to advancing initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact on our industry and the communities we serve.

Which topics, themes or initiatives is your organisation currently focused on?
We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment through recruitment policies that attract diverse talent, helping to make the insurance industry more representative of society.

As someone who sits on our DEI committee and co-chairs the Gender Equity Network, I can personally vouch for BMS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s truly inspiring to work alongside such passionate colleagues, many of whom take on these initiatives in addition to their day jobs because they genuinely care about making BMS the best place to work for everyone.

Recently, we launched our Neurodiversity Committee and internal resource hub to celebrate different ways of thinking and support colleagues with neurodiverse perspectives. We kicked off with an event at our London office, featuring former Apprentice candidate Shazia Hussain, who spoke openly about her experience with ADHD and how she’s turned it into her superpower at work. The event was incredibly motivating, and we’re excited to continue building resources, guidance, and support for neurodiverse colleagues as we develop this important initiative.

What is the best part of your job?
The global regulatory environment BMS operates in is constantly evolving, often at a rapid pace. As a result, my priorities are always shifting, and my activities can vary significantly from one week to the next. This dynamic landscape keeps me on my toes, fostering a continuous learning environment where I’m constantly expanding my expertise and gaining new insights. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work directly contributes to helping our BMS brokers deliver exceptional service to our clients, navigating complex regulatory challenges with confidence.

In addition to the sheer variety of my work, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is collaborating with talented, curious, and supportive colleagues. The culture here at BMS is built on teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence, and it’s truly inspiring to be part of a group that consistently rises to meet new challenges. Being surrounded by such driven and passionate individuals not only motivates me but also makes coming to work each day genuinely enjoyable.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of intellectual challenge, professional growth, and a supportive team that makes my role at BMS so rewarding.

What does the future of female leadership look like to you?
It looks great! It’s fantastic to see progress being made, especially when it reflects the dedication and talent of the incredible women I work alongside and have the privilege to manage. On a broader scale, I truly hope that women moving forward feel more supported at every stage of their careers. We’re increasingly recognizing that the challenges women face at specific points in their professional journeys can be nuanced and multifaceted. Encouragingly, these challenges are being acknowledged and addressed more proactively within the industry.

My hope is that by continuing these important conversations and fostering an inclusive culture, we empower the next generation of female leaders to feel more supported, informed, and confident in their ability to excel in leadership roles. By building on the progress we’ve made and staying committed to positive change, we can create a more equitable and dynamic future for women in financial services.