Anna Stovpova is a woman who has proven that finance, intelligence, and beauty can coexist in perfect harmony. Having worked at the National Bank of Ukraine and the Bank of England, she has become an expert in digital currencies. At the same time, she has carved out a space for herself in modeling and spiritual practices. In this interview, Anna shares her journey, the balance between analytics and creativity, and the future of finance in Ukraine.

You worked at the National Bank of Ukraine and the Bank of England in London—an incredible achievement. What inspired you to write a book on financial literacy specifically for Ukrainian students?

When you reach a level where you can pass on knowledge to others, it means you have attained a level of life wisdom. Writing a book on digital currencies was an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. Drawing from my PhD research and studies on the global digital currency market, I wanted to become a pioneer in Ukraine. In 2021, my dissertation was among the top five first research papers on this subject, and I am incredibly proud of that.

Unfortunately, Ukraine has very few local authors, scholars, or writers producing quality educational literature on financial markets, cryptocurrencies, and investments. After working at the Bank of England, where I contributed to the development of the digital pound, I felt a strong need to return and share my international experience with the younger generation. I believe that students are the future of the economy, and it’s crucial to provide them with relevant knowledge and a modern perspective on finance.

At what point did you realize you wanted to step beyond a traditional career and explore your femininity through modeling and numerology?

It’s hard to say what came first in my life—finance or modeling. They both appeared almost simultaneously. I’ve been working in finance for over 13 years, while my modeling journey spans more than 17 years. It’s not just a hobby but a way to express myself, create unique projects, and collaborate with renowned Ukrainian and international brands.

For me, modeling has always been more than just posing in front of a camera. It’s about personal growth, transformation, and discipline. It helped me not only embrace my femininity but also build resilience. Finance, on the other hand, has given me intellectual independence and structured thinking.

As for numerology, my ability to work with numbers naturally led me to explore deeper life processes. At some point, I realized I could use this knowledge not just for myself but to help others discover their paths by analyzing their birth dates and life patterns.

How does society perceive women in the financial world versus the modeling industry? What qualities helped you succeed in both?

There are still stereotypes about women in modeling, but in my case, I mostly receive admiration and respect when people find out that I balance both beauty and analytical intelligence.

One of the most fascinating moments in my life was when the artist Ruslan Mazurenko, inspired by my photoshoot, created a 190×180 cm portrait of me. This artwork will soon be showcased at his exhibition in Kyiv. For me, this was proof that beauty and intelligence can coexist and even inspire others.

In the financial world, women tend to command a great deal of respect. An intellectually strong woman who knows how to handle finance is someone people trust. I consider my greatest strengths to be determination, adaptability, strong communication skills, an open mindset, and, of course, femininity.

How did your experience with the UK’s digital banking transformation shape your finance view, and what changes could be coming for Ukraine?

After completing my project in London, I decided to deepen my expertise in investing, stock markets, and macroeconomics. Understanding global trends, economic shifts, and geopolitical factors is essential. Only by analyzing these factors can we forecast financial futures.

For Ukraine, achieving financial maturity is crucial—meaning people must learn how to manage their money effectively. Once that happens, we can build a strong middle class and work toward economic stability.

You’ve balanced a career in finance with spiritual practices. How do you integrate these seemingly different worlds, and what keeps you moving forward?

My professional journeys have always evolved in parallel. The world of finance provides stability and strategic thinking, while modeling and spiritual practices add energy and creativity.

At one point, I realized I needed to pause, reflect, and find new sources of inspiration. That’s when I discovered psychology, yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These are not just extra interests—they are my way of harmonizing life.

What are the three biggest lessons you learned from living in London, and how can Ukrainian women apply them for self-development?

First — be self-sufficient in all aspects of life. Second — never settle—always keep growing.
Third — embrace your femininity and inner balance, even in competitive business environments.

Finally, what message would you like to share with Ukrainian women?

Develop yourself, unleash your potential, and contribute to society! That is the path to a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Photographer: Anna Kucherenko @annakycherenko
Makeup artist: Chervinska Veronika @veron.mua

Hairstylist: Kotenko Yuliia @juliakotenko_
Videographer: Alena Didkivska @alena_didkivska