CFOs: Finance Expert, Corporate Strategist All Rolled in One

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Monday, 19 May 2025

A CFO doesn’t have ‘one’ primary responsibility.

Ideally, the role encompasses handling financial dealings for an organization. But in reality, the CFO is required to do so much more, depending on their respective organization and the stage of growth they are in. their primary responsibility depends on type of business, their strategy and the type of skills they want the CFO to lead on.

More so in today’s highly competitive business landscape, the CFOs role is as much about risk management, identifying strategic opportunities and enabling future growth. As organizations continue to evolve constantly, with the ever-changing global business climate, the role of a CFO is bound to change. A CFO today must go beyond being ‘the finance operations expert’. Instead, they must act as a corporate strategist who can strengthen the company’s valuation and brand, and win over stakeholders’ trust and goodwill.

With the role of the CFO constantly evolving to gain amplified prominence, it is pertinent to acknowledge the exceptional individuals wearing this role with elan. The current edition of Women Entrepreneurs Review endeavours to do just that. Join us as we converse with some of the most influential women CFOs in Asia. These women have been shouldering key responsibilities in their respective organizations with immense strength and skill.

Featured in this special magazine edition is Melisa Hendrawati, CFO, PT Superbank Indonesia.

Melisa is a prominent business leader and finance executive based in Asia. Known for her expertise in the financial services industry, she has held leadership roles in various organizations, focusing on driving business growth, financial strategy, and operational excellence.

We also feature an insightful conversation with Hala Sleiman, the Group CFO of Tamer, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and fostering growth. Committed to diversity and mentorship, she advocates for greater representation of women in leadership, driving impactful initiatives across Asia's finance industry.

These women finance leaders are inspirational, erudite and adaptable, qualities key for leaders in the modern business world. Read on to know more about their professional journey, expertise and thoughts on the finance function in the Asian business landscape.

Do let us know your thoughts.