Zara Reader: Legal Leader Driving Compliance and Unlocking Growth
Zara Reader is a name synonymous with legal excellence and strategic leadership in the financial services and technology sectors. With over 15 years of international legal experience, Zara has carved out a reputation as a trusted business partner, innovative thinker, and a dedicated advocate for compliance and growth. Her career trajectory showcases her ability to manage complex legal landscapes while empowering businesses to achieve their objectives.
Zara Reader’s Career Highlights
Sabbatical Break: A Time to Recharge
In March 2024, Zara Reader embarked on a sabbatical break, taking time to recharge, travel, volunteer, and connect with family and friends. This decision reflects her belief in the importance of personal growth and balance. Zara’s sabbatical is not only a testament to her commitment to self-care but also an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives that she can bring back to her professional endeavors.
Vice President of Legal at Bill.com (2017–2024)
Zara Reader’s most recent role before her sabbatical was as Vice President of Legal at Bill.com, a leading business payments network. Over her seven-year tenure, she demonstrated a results-oriented focus, balancing legal risk and enabling business goals. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, Zara oversaw a broad spectrum of legal affairs, including:
- Product and Marketing Compliance: Ensuring the company’s products and marketing initiatives adhered to regulatory standards.
- Privacy and Cybersecurity: Developing robust frameworks to protect customer data.
- Commercial Transactions: Leading negotiations for sales and partnership agreements.
- Crisis Management: Strategizing responses to legal and reputational challenges.
- Intellectual Property Management: Safeguarding the company’s intellectual assets.
- Employment and HR Issues: Addressing legal matters involving employee relations.
Her leadership was instrumental in driving Bill.com’s mission to simplify and automate financial operations for businesses.
Previous Roles and Achievements
- Director, Global Payments and Commercial Counsel at eBay (2015–2017): Zara played a pivotal role in shaping eBay’s payments strategy after its separation from PayPal. She ensured compliance with multi-jurisdictional legal requirements, enabling the company’s innovative payment solutions to flourish.
- Assistant General Counsel at Financial Engines (2013–2015): Zara led a team providing strategic support for regulated financial products, ensuring their compliant development and marketing.
- Independent Consultant at IBM Promontory (2011–2012): She advised clients on regulatory and compliance issues, focusing on securities sales and trading.
- Legal Leadership in London: Zara’s earlier roles at Lehman Brothers, J.P. Morgan, ICAP plc, and The Walt Disney Company showcased her expertise in financial services, electronic trading, and intellectual property on a global scale.
Zara Reader’s Education and Certifications
UCLA School of Law
Zara Reader earned her LLM in Securities Law and Financial Regulation from UCLA School of Law, further solidifying her expertise in the legal dimensions of financial services. Her education provided a robust foundation for her distinguished career in compliance and regulatory law.
The College of Law, London
Zara completed her CPE/LPC in Law at The College of Law in London, demonstrating her early commitment to excelling in the legal profession.
University of Leeds
She holds a BA Hons in Economics, Politics, and American Studies from the University of Leeds, where she cultivated the analytical and interdisciplinary skills that underpin her strategic approach to legal challenges.
Certifications
Zara’s professional credentials include:
- CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist)
- CIPP/E and CIPP/US (Certified Information Privacy Professional)
These certifications underscore her dedication to staying at the forefront of financial compliance and privacy laws.
Zara Reader’s Leadership Philosophy
Zara Reader is recognized for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while aligning legal strategies with business objectives. Her leadership style is characterized by:
- Strategic Thinking: Anticipating challenges and devising proactive solutions.
- Collaboration: Building strong relationships with executives, teams, and external stakeholders.
- Innovation: Leveraging legal insights to foster growth and innovation within organizations.
- Empathy: Prioritizing the well-being of her teams and communities.
Zara Reader’s Sabbatical Break
Zara’s sabbatical is a reflection of her holistic approach to life and work. By stepping back from her career, she is investing in personal development, community engagement, and global exploration. This break exemplifies her belief in the power of renewal and its impact on professional excellence.
Conclusion
Zara Reader’s journey as a legal leader is marked by her ability to drive compliance, unlock growth, and inspire those around her. Her career accomplishments, coupled with her dedication to personal growth, make her a role model in the legal and financial services industries. As she takes time to recharge during her sabbatical, the future undoubtedly holds new opportunities for Zara to continue her impactful work.
