Zakiya Begum Sayed

Zakiya Begum Sayed is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University. With over 25 years of expertise in finance, economics, and business administration, she specializes in Corporate Finance, International Finance, Fintech, and Sustainable Investments. She is a certified SAP Trainer, ERPSIM Licensed Trainer, and licensed career coach, emphasizing inclusive learning environments aligned with UN SDGs.

• Research focuses on Fintech innovations, cybersecurity impacts on global markets, and AI applications in financial risk management.
• Teaching includes courses in Banking, Business Economics, Finance, and Fintech.

Her work addresses topics like exchange rate exposure, digital payment systems, and sustainable investments in emerging markets. Recent publications analyze India's financial systems and PhonePe's growth in digital payments.

Recipient of the McGraw Hill Learning Matter Grant (2025) and OSCARS (2024), she actively participates in academic networks and initiatives, including judging competitions and hosting academic visitors.