Maria brings over 30 years of international experience in the financial industry, encompassing investment banking, private banking, asset management, and private equity. Beginning her career as a lawyer in private practice, she has since held various senior management roles at leading financial institutions. 

Maria currently serves on the boards of EFG International, a Swiss private bank; EFG Luxembourg, its Luxembourg subsidiary; Crypto Finance, a Swiss digital assets platform and part of the Deutsche Börse Group; and ENGin, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving English literacy among Ukrainians through global volunteer efforts. 

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Maria has devoted significant time to supporting refugees, focusing on language education, mentoring, and career development. 

I started actively supporting refugees when the war in Ukraine broke out, including working at the main railway station in Prague in the spring of 2022, a key hub on their way through Europe. Since then, I’ve engaged in various initiatives, from teaching languages to mentoring and sponsoring refugees in Zürich and beyond. I am inspired daily by their resilience and determination to rebuild lives. This experience led me to become involved with Switzerland for UNHCR, where I hope to raise awareness, fundraise, and contribute to improving the lives of a broad range of refugees.