Morwesi Mashego with awards judge Mo Mlandu, Road Accident Fund

Finalists: Nombulelo Beauchamp, Absa Bank; Thandeka Dlulane, Absa Bank (Highly Commended); Naomi Mue, Adrian Kenya.

Barclays Africa's Morwesi Mashego earned the Junior Corporate Counsel of the Year title in recognition of her work in developing this newly created role in the bank's wealth, investment management and insurance division.

With no previous experience in the field, Mashego had to rapidly get to grips with the insurance regulatory requirements in five jurisdictions outside of South Africa (Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya) and provide guidance to Barclays Africa's relevant compliance and risk officers, to ensure those regulatory requirements were met (a challenging task for a rookie given legislation in sub-Saharan Africa is difficult to obtain if you are located outside those jurisdictions).

Through developing relationships with local law firms, regulators and legal counsel at competitors and local banks, Mashego was able to gather the necessary information and quickly became the go-to legal counsel of Barclays Africa's insurance business outside of South Africa. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities – which include managing the insurer's panel of law firms and drafting legal documents and agreements between the insurance company and third parties – Mashego was also involved with the bank's entry into east Africa, earning her praise for her initiative and entrepreneurial mindset.

"Shows ambition and talent," remarked one judge.

To return to the full list of winners, click here.