Three ICAS leaders named as Scotland’s most influential women in finance

Three of our senior figures have been recognised in The Business magazine list of the 35 most influential women in finance in Scotland 2026.

The annual list celebrates women who are shaping Scotland’s financial services sector through leadership, innovation and influence. This year, three representatives from ICAS were included: 

Elizabeth Gammie CA, Vice-President of ICAS and emeritus professor at Robert Gordon University (ranked 10th) 

Gail Boag, Chief Executive Officer of ICAS (ranked 11th) 

Karen Scholes CA, President of ICAS and Director of Scholes Chartered Accountants (ranked 20th) 

The recognition highlights the contribution these key ICAS leaders make to the accountancy profession and to Scotland’s wider business and financial community. 

Recognising leadership across the profession 

According to The Business, Elizabeth Gammie CA was recognised for her leadership in accountancy education and the profession. Alongside her role as Vice-President of ICAS, she's an emeritus professor at Robert Gordon University and former Dean of Aberdeen Business School. 

Gail Boag was highlighted for her leadership of ICAS and her role in supporting the future of the profession through the development of the CA syllabus and wider professional transformation. 

The publication recognised Karen Scholes CA for her leadership within both the profession and practice. In addition to serving as President of ICAS in 2025-26, Karen is a partner at Scholes Chartered Accountants and brings extensive experience from working with businesses across Scotland. 

Celebrating women shaping Scottish finance 

The list was topped by Dame Debbie Crosbie DBE, Group Chief Executive of Nationwide Building Society, and features leaders from banking, investment management, professional services, pensions and financial regulation. 

In introducing the list, The Business highlighted the growing influence of women in senior finance roles across Scotland and recognised those leading organisations, driving economic growth and helping shape the future of the sector. 

The publication also paid tribute to Dame Susan Rice DBE FRSE, the former Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland and the first woman to lead a UK clearing bank, whose career inspired this year's feature. 

A strong representation for ICAS 

The inclusion of Elizabeth Gammie CA, Gail Boag and Karen Scholes CA reflects the breadth of our leadership and the important role ICAS continue to play across Scotland's economy. 

Their recognition sits alongside a distinguished group of leaders from across financial services and demonstrates the impact that CAs are making in boardrooms, businesses and professional organisations throughout the country.