Izzat-Begum B. RAJAN

Izzat-Begum RAJAN has comprehensive expertise in the top management challenges facing major corporations, with experience since 2005 in financial, operational, strategic, legal and tax management roles. An independent director for multinationals in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, she combines unique skills to resolve regulatory, legal, tax and financial issues, particularly in interaction with the relevant authorities. She also has solid experience of impact projects and social enterprises, acquired within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Since 2012, Izzat-Begum has also been an accredited mediator with the Center for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) in London, UK. Thanks to mediation, an alternative dispute resolution method that is confidential by nature and inexpensive (unlike arbitration), she helps the founders and shareholders of the multinationals she advises to overcome the human challenges linked to the development of their business activities.

Izzat-Begum was an expatriate for almost two decades (UK, Mali, Gabon, Denmark, Cameroon, United Arab Emirates and finally Kenya) before returning to France at the end of 2020. Since her return, she has also been advising governments and governmental organizations (France, European Union, Middle East and Africa) on the regulatory framework and taxation of digital assets.

As a result of his career and doctoral research in tax law, Izzat-Begum focuses primarily on the following sectors: emerging technologies (blockchain, AI, metavers), shipping, port operations and related services; major infrastructure projects; international investments and financial flows.

Izzat-Begum is a regular speaker at professional associations (e.g. Association Française des Femmes Fiscalistes, A3F) and international conferences on regulatory, legal and tax issues relating to emerging technologies. She has also lectured at the University of Amsterdam and Oxford University, among others.