Women Of Influence 2025: Shorooq's Maya Milan

As the Compliance Director at the UAE-based, MENA-focused alternative investment firm Shorooq, Maya Milan leads the enteprise’s regulatory strategy, overseeing client onboarding and ongoing monitoring, while also serving as the primary liaison with regional regulators.

“My role is also centered on building a culture of compliance within the organization, translating complex regulations into streamlined internal systems and processes,” Milan tells Inc. Arabia. “When I first joined, compliance was treated more as a functional necessity than a strategic pillar. I made it my mission to institutionalize the role from within, embedding compliance into the DNA of the firm. This included automating internal procedures, standardizing risk-based workflows, and, most importantly, establishing clear and effective internal communication protocols. By doing so, compliance has become a proactive enabler of growth, rather than a reactive checkpoint—an evolution I’m proud to have driven.”

As a female figure in the field of compliance, Milan says that the rise of women in the domain has not only been embraced; it’s been celebrated. “Within our industry, the presence of women in key regulatory and risk roles has added invaluable perspective, empathy, and strength,” she says. “I’m proud to say that working within a UAE-based firm, I’ve experienced a culture where merit comes first. Your voice is equal, and your seat at the table is earned and respected.”

But Milan also notes that this is about more than personal success—it’s also about the message it sends to others. “Women in leadership roles serve as both inspiration and validation,” she explains. “They remind others that it’s possible to pursue ambitious professional paths without compromising on personal values or aspirations. With the right support system—from both the workplace and at home—and a resilient mindset, women can truly have it all.”

Lessons Learned: Q&A with Maya Milan 

Looking back on your journey, if there is one piece of advice you’d give yourself before you embarked on your career, what would that be? Additionally, if you could go back in time and tell yourself something that you should avoid or simply not do, what would that be?  

If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say this: invest in yourself relentlessly. Every experience—good or bad—is a lesson. Don’t waste time regretting your choices. Own them, learn from them, and let them guide your growth. I’d also remind myself to speak up more often. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas or take on challenges that seem out of reach. Confidence grows through action—and the willingness to take the first step is half the journey. 

Pictured in the lead image is Maya Milan, Compliance Director at Shorooq. Courtesy of Shorooq.

Maya Milan was one of Inc. Arabia's Women of Influence 2025, a showcase of 30 women rewriting the rules of business in the MENA region. For the full list, please click here.