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.
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.
How does global regulatory experience help me here in the UAE?
Cybersecurity always feels like a “cost center.” Can it actually drive ROI?
Why do you focus so heavily on the “Human Element”?
What is your “North Star” when working with a new organization?
MY JOURNEY
Global Recognition. Local Impact.

Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Finalists (GISEC, Dubai)
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