“Go for it”: women in trade credit insurance

Sheena Bohan says she was first inspired to pursue a career in trade credit insurance after working with a woman who had held senior roles in the industry. The experience gave her confidence to forge her own career path. “It gives you the inspiration that there aren't barriers” she says.

Fast forward 25 years, and Sheena is now Head of Commercial Ireland at Atradius. “If you see women on management boards, or senior management meetings, you realise it’s possible that anybody can do it,” she says. 

Atradius colleague Maddy Champion agrees. “There are a lot of females in senior roles in credit insurance. Clear representation of women at all levels helps demonstrate that the industry offers long-term, fulfilling career paths.”

Both Sheena and Maddy say that one of the biggest barriers to both women and men joining the industry is a misunderstanding about what credit insurance actually is. 

Maddy, who is a Senior Account Manager at Atradius, says: “A common misconception is that credit insurance is solely numbers driven. Financial analysis is important, but the role is equally centred around building strong relationships and understanding the everchanging environments in which businesses operate.” 

Sheena says: “People don't understand what credit insurance is. They think it's technical, analytical, they think of underwriting, but there’s much more to it than that.” 

Particularly in a commercial role, where you find more and more women, Sheena says, “the biggest part of it is doing deals, negotiating, and working closely with people in business and in brokers.” 

When Maddy joined Atradius in 2018 – following in her mother’s footsteps – she had only intended it to be a six-month stopgap. “I chose to stay because of the strong sense of community. It is a highly relationship driven environment. No two days are the same, and that makes the work engaging and rewarding.” 

Recognition of women in the industry has grown. Maddy won the Rising Star Award at the Women in Credit Insurance UK 2025 awards. “Winning was a moment of real pride,” she says. “It was also a reminder of the importance of recognition and visibility in encouraging others to pursue their ambitions.” 

Maddy has some clear advice for women entering the industry: be yourself and stay curious. “Don’t hesitate to ask questions, expand your network, and seek out opportunities to learn,” she says. “There is a wealth of experience across the sector, and people are genuinely willing to share their knowledge and help others succeed.” 

Sheena urges women to back themselves, not succumb to ‘imposter syndrome’ and step forward rather than waiting to be noticed. “Sometimes women, and men, have to put their hands up and say, I want to do this, I want to go places, and I want to get a promotion.” 

Her advice to women considering the industry? “Go for it. It's challenging but hugely fulfilling.”