Dia Banerji

Reason for joining Court

I am honoured to join Abertay University's Court at a time when higher education plays such a pivotal role in shaping our society and economy. Having benefited personally from quality education, I believe deeply in its transformative power to unlock opportunity and change lives.

I have always believed that the right education—relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real-world application—can empower individuals and transform communities. Abertay's commitment to academic excellence, practical learning, and community impact aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations.

I'm passionate about helping future generations thrive through education that prepares them not just for the world ahead but actively equips them to shape it. It's a privilege to support a university that embodies this forward-thinking approach to learning and discovery.

Biography

Dia Banerji is a senior leader with over 20 years of international experience across the UK, Middle East, and Asia, specialising in pensions, wealth management, and digital transformation. She has held leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected financial institutions, including JP Morgan, Barclays, Société Générale, and Standard Life (Phoenix Group), where she most recently led the Direct-to-Consumer Proposition for 9 million customers and £200 billion in assets.

Dia is co-founder of Imagine Ventures, supporting academic-led startups and emerging technology ventures in areas such as blockchain, cybersecurity, and privacy-preserving AI. She also serves on Scotland’s national Digital Trust Taskforce, contributing to the development of its blockchain ecosystem and advancing innovation in digital trust.

Passionate about inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship, Dia is an ambassador for Women Enterprise Scotland and has supported global identity inclusion initiatives through Women in Identity. She holds an MBA in Finance and brings a strong commitment to education as a driver of societal progress and opportunity.