In a world where finance remains largely male-dominated, Anna-Leigh Atkinson has carved out a space of her own, embracing challenges with courage and determination.
Raised in an environment that fostered both discipline and faith, Atkinson was taught the importance of continuous learning and being true to oneself.
She describes herself as God-fearing, creative, resilient, and a deep thinker who enjoys the quiet moments that allow her to reset and self-reflect.
“I’ve always had a strong affinity for numbers,” she shared. This passion led her to pursue actuarial science at The University of the West Indies, Mona, a field that perfectly matched her aptitude for mathematics. But Atkinson didn’t stop there – as her quest for knowledge led her to the Mona School of Business and Management, where she completed her Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing the Chartered Business Valuator designation, having completed level three.
For Atkinson, every step of her academic and professional journey has been about expanding her horizons and discovering her true potential. Her path into investment banking wasn’t entirely planned. “It was about recognising opportunities and seizing them,” she explains. “Investment banking presented an exciting challenge – the chance to break barriers, innovate, and stay sharp in an ever-evolving space. The rush of it all was truly intriguing.”
As assistant vice president of private credit at Sygnus, Atkinson’s responsibilities include meeting with clients, originating deals, and structuring financial solutions that suit their needs. The weight of responsibility can be immense, but she thrives on the challenge, bringing clarity and determination to her role.
Atkinson learnt early on the importance of confidence and assertiveness. As a young woman in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, instead of shrinking into the background, she chooses to stand tall. “One of the biggest challenges women face in finance is the lack of audacity to take up space. I learned to embrace my voice, contribute meaningfully, and push past limiting beliefs. Competence is important, but so is the courage to speak up and own your expertise.”
Her decision-making process is a perfect reflection of her methodical nature. In the high-stakes world of private credit, where every decision can change the course of a client’s future, Atkinson approaches challenges with clarity and care. “Even the most complex problems are just a series of smaller problems,” she says. “I break them down, step by step, and work through each piece systematically. That’s when the right solution emerges.”
As a mother of two, maintaining a work-life balance has been one of her greatest challenges. “Setting firm boundaries and prioritising my mental and physical well-being have been crucial.”
She notes: “Taking care of myself allows me to show up as my best self – both at work and at home. Balance is not a destination but a constant effort.”
Atkinson believes women bring invaluable perspectives to the finance industry. “Women often emphasise empathy and understanding, which can lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions,” she says. “Diverse viewpoints are essential for better decision-making and creativity.”
Among the achievements that fill her with pride, Atkinson speaks most fondly of her resilience. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but she continues to adapt, learn, and grow.
“Throughout my career, there have been many proud moments, but what stands out most is having the resilience to thrive in this demanding space. The ability to continuously learn, adapt, and create meaningful impact is something I deeply value.” Her commitment to learning and growing, both for herself and for the benefit of her clients, has been a key part of her success.
Atkinson offers powerful advice for women seeking to enter finance: “Stay true to your voice; you are your own biggest advocate. The imposter syndrome is real, but remember, you belong here just as much as anyone else.”
