Pooja Shimpi – GRC & AI Strategy Advisor Profile

Want To Know More About Me?

A Legacy of Trust. A Vision for the UAE.
In an era where technology moves at the speed of thought, I provide the guardrails that make innovation possible. With over 17 years of experience steering Cybersecurity, GRC, and Data Governance for global financial giants—including Citi Bank, State Street, and ANZ Bank—I have relocated to the UAE to contribute to the most ambitious digital transformation journey in the world.

As the AI Ambassador for Australia and a globally recognized expert in ISO/IEC 42001, I bridge the gap between mature international frameworks (APRA, MAS, NIST) and the unique requirements of the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031.

Why I am here

I chose the UAE because it is the global epicenter of “What’s Next.” My mission is to ensure that as the GCC leads the world in AI and smart infrastructure, it does so with unshakeable resilience. I don’t just implement security; I build Security Cultures that empower organizations to lead their industries.

Focus in UAE & GCC

Strategic Expertise for a Digital Nation

My work is designed to align seamlessly with the UAE’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that your organization is not just compliant, but competitive.

Pioneering AI Governance

As a lead implementer of ISO/IEC 42001, I help GCC enterprises operationalize Ethical AI, moving beyond theory into robust, audit-ready management systems.

Regulatory Mastery (NESA & Beyond)

I translate my decades of experience with strict financial regulators (MAS, APRA, HKMA) into seamless alignment with NESA (IAS), TDRA, and the UAE Data Protection Law.
FAQ

Strategic Governance & Risk: Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Ethical AI” just a buzzword, or can it actually be operationalized?
In many boardrooms, it’s still just theory. My role is to turn those ethics into an audit-ready reality. As a lead implementer of ISO/IEC 42001, I help GCC enterprises move past the “what-if” and build robust management systems that ensure AI is both innovative and accountable.
The digital landscape is borderless, but the rules are local. I bridge the gap. By applying the rigor I’ve gained working with strict global regulators – like MAS (Singapore) and APRA (Australia) – I provide a seamless path to compliance with NESA (IAS), TDRA, and UAE Data Protection Law. It’s about taking world-class standards and making them work for the Digital Nation.
If it’s treated only as a technical barrier, it’s a cost. When treated as a strategic enabler, it’s a value driver. I advise Boards and C-Suite executives on how to shift this perspective. A secure, resilient organization is a more competitive one – allowing you to move faster and take bigger risks with confidence.
Even the most expensive firewall can’t stop a human error. Through my work as the Founder of SyberNow Solutions, I’ve seen that the workforce is often unfairly labeled as the “weakest link.” I specialize in Human Risk Management, which focuses on changing culture and behavior to transform your employees into your most formidable line of defense.
Alignment. Whether it’s navigating complex regulations or deploying AI, my goal is to ensure that your digital strategy doesn’t just meet a legal requirement – it supports your broader business mission in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving economy.
MY JOURNEY

Global Recognition. Local Impact.