For Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting leaders whose authenticity, expertise, and commitment to client partnerships are shaping the future of advisory. Today, we celebrate Clare Curtis, a founding force in the UAE regulatory landscape and a leader whose team-first philosophy continues to elevate advisory excellence across the region.
What inspired you to pursue a career in advisory, and what continues to draw you to this work today?
My advisory journey really began when I moved to the UAE and saw how many firms needed help understanding a new regulatory framework. Being part of that momentum of supporting firms, individuals, and the market felt incredibly motivating.
One of the best pieces of advice I received early on was from a previous boss. They said, “Clare, you’re not a great salesperson.” I panicked! But they followed it with, “Think of it as helping people achieve an objective rather than selling.” Twenty years later, that mindset still drives me. I don’t see myself as selling. I see myself as helping, and that’s what keeps me passionate about advisory work.
Was there a defining moment earlier in your career that changed your trajectory or gave you clarity about your path?
Taking my seat at the management table was the moment everything shifted. Moving from being in the weeds to a broader role of supporting consultants and bringing more entrepreneurial thinking into the firm showed me that consultancy has so many more dimensions than in-house work.
Some people thrive on that variety, pace, and commercial awareness. Others find it challenging. For me, helping build a firm while supporting people’s development, whether staff or clients, was the perfect balance.
What motivates you most about the work you do today, particularly in the impact you have on clients or the industry?
For me, it’s all about the team and long-term client relationships. I’m not driven by short-term wins. What matters is bumping into a former colleague or client years later and having a genuinely warm conversation. They feel valued, and I feel like I left something meaningful behind.
I’m also incredibly privileged to have been part of the UAE’s regulatory journey since the beginning. Many of the relationships formed in those early days are still strong today, and we continue to help shape the market and raise the standard of consultancy services.
How would you describe your leadership style and your approach to guiding teams and advising clients through complex challenges?
Hands-on. I’m very much a “be part of the team” leader. I help steer relationships, but the team drives the work. I guide rather than micromanage, and I trust people to deliver.
What accomplishment or client outcome are you especially proud of, and why was it meaningful to you?
Any time we come together as a team and the client becomes part of that team, that’s a win. I’m always proud of what we achieve collectively. It’s never been about individual accolades for me.
Are there trends or shifts in the advisory and compliance landscape that you find exciting or important for clients to be thinking about right now?
Digital assets and blockchain technology—without a doubt. It’s such an exciting time. For years, seniors taught juniors the “consultant Jedi ways,” but now juniors are teaching us. New talent brings fresh perspectives that are just as valuable as deep experience.
Tokenization and stablecoins are going to disrupt markets we’re all familiar with. Watch this space. Big change is coming.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for women in advisory roles today, and how can organizations better support that growth?
Women face unique challenges in the workplace, which is why having women in leadership roles matters so much. It provides mentorship, support, and visibility. Flexibility, understanding, and genuine appreciation for hardworking professionals—men and women—create opportunities for everyone to succeed.
Is there a piece of advice you received that has stayed with you over the years or shaped how you show up as a trusted partner?
Know your audience. One approach doesn’t fit all. To be effective, your advice must resonate with the person in front of you, otherwise it won’t land.
Advisory work can be demanding. How do you approach balancing professional responsibilities with life outside of the office?
Honestly, I’m not brilliant at it. I definitely have “mummy guilt,” especially when I’m travelling. We’re in a service-led business, and sometimes you simply can’t be in two places at once. It’s not easy.
What’s one common misconception about your area of expertise that you often help clients rethink?
That we just turn out templates or that we’re the “no” department. If only they knew how much goes on behind the scenes! If all we did was templates, my work-life balance answer above would be very different.
Conclusion
Clare’s leadership reflects the heart of modern advisory: service over sales, teamwork over ego, and long-term relationships over quick wins. Her role in shaping the UAE’s regulatory ecosystem and her commitment to developing consultants and clients alike, continue to elevate the quality of advisory services across the region.
Connect with ACA and learn firsthand how our experienced team can support your firm.