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According to Ramza, working in and navigating the complexities of this sector isn’t just about having deep knowledge of the legislation, it’s about being a true business partner and a trusted legal advisor.
Beginning her career in government, followed by a move to a law firm, Ramza then found her place in-house. She describes her early roles as formative, legally and personally, particularly in developing the strong communication instincts that now underpin her legal practice. “You need to know your audience and cater the delivery of your legal advice to them appropriately,” she says. “That was something I took from my time in government.”
Now at Pepper Money, a leading non-bank lender focused on helping people succeed with flexible loan options, Ramza works across a broad remit supporting product development, managing branding and IP issues, assisting with procurement, and offering day-to-day legal guidance.
But the nature of finance demands far more than generalist versatility. “Although the role is broad, finance is still very specialized,” she explains. “You’re working in a highly regulated environment, which means you have to truly understand the legislation, engage with regulators, and work through complex issues in detail.”
One of those regulators is ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission) whose priorities form an essential backdrop to Ramza’s work. “It’s important to be across those priorities and leave no room for complacency. Accuracy is crucial when you’re offering a wide range of products. It’s not just about knowing the law, it’s about interpreting and applying it in the context of everything the business is doing within the regulatory landscape.”
The growing focus on breach reporting has added new layers to her role, requiring both technical expertise and the ability to translate complexity for the business. “The law is always evolving. But the challenge is to understand how it operates practically and to make sense of grey areas. Advice has to be sound, clear, and actionable.”
This desire to add real value is what energizes Ramza. For her, the legal function doesn’t exist to say “yes” or “no”, it exists to help the business move forward with confidence and create hope in tricky times.
“What motivates me is being involved early, being part of the solution. I don’t want to just tell the business what the law says. I want to understand how it applies to its specific needs and help shape a better outcome. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking why.”
Ramza also finds fulfilment in the collaborative and unpredictable nature of in-house work. “There’s something exciting about working on a product from concept to launch and knowing your input helped bring it to life.”
That spirit of involvement is what she encourages in others considering a career in finance. “You don’t have to come from the sector to be successful in it. If you’re curious, determined, and willing to learn the legislation and the many nuances, you’ll pick it up. Don’t be afraid to give it a go.”
For someone who’s navigated diverse sectors and landed in one of the most demanding areas of legal practice, Ramza has carved out a space where curiosity, clarity, and commercial thinking come together. Her story is proof that in-house legal can be more than just reactive legal support. It can be a force that helps shape the business – and for the better.
