Jersey Finance Welcomes New Board Apprentice Through I WILL Programme

Zara joined our Board in January 2026 through the Government of Jersey’s I WILL programme, delivered in partnership with Board Apprentice. The initiative aims to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions across the Island by providing high-potential professionals with direct boardroom experience.

We have participated in the scheme for the past three years as part of our wider focus on strong governance and building the next generation of industry leaders.

Bringing deep international expertise

Zara is a senior international tax policy and strategic governance professional with more than a decade’s experience advising governments and leading complex cross-border tax initiatives.

Her career includes pivotal roles guiding Jersey’s global tax policy, particularly the implementation of OECD Pillar Two and Jersey’s MCIT regimes, and she has worked extensively with multinational enterprises and financial institutions on compliance, treaty application and industry regulation.

Alongside her policy expertise, Zara brings valuable board-level experience through her work with multi-stakeholder working groups, international transparency initiatives and non-profit panels focused on financial education and social entrepreneurship.

Demonstrating real impact

Zara is our second Board Apprentice, following the successful completion of the scheme by her predecessor, Rhiannon Small.

In 2025, Rhiannon was appointed Agent of the Impôts and Head of the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service. As the first woman to hold the historic 400-year-old position, her appointment highlights the tangible impact of the Board Apprentice Scheme in supporting the progression of talented female leaders into senior roles.

Supporting future leaders

Through our continued involvement in the I WILL initiative, we remain committed to supporting practical actions that enhance board diversity, strengthen governance capability and encourage the next generation of industry leaders.

During her placement, Zara will participate fully in Board discussions, gaining first-hand insight into strategic decision-making while bringing valuable expertise and perspective to our Board.

Photograph: The Jersey Finance Board (L-R) Tony Pitcher, Zara Asante, Justin Clapham, Amy Bryant, Aline Ayotte, Joe Moynihan, Michelle Ryan and Jason Laity (not pictured: Mark Law).