Meet our team: Samer Fouani

Tell us about your career and what drives your work in cyber security. 

I began my career as a bank teller, which taught me the importance of customer service and being present for people. Over two decades I moved through HR and technology roles, eventually leading major regulatory initiatives around privacy and data.

That path naturally led me to cyber security. I’ve always had an innate sense of duty of care – and in cyber, that means protecting the community and ensuring trust in the systems people rely on. 

I joined TAL almost four years ago, focusing on foundational cyber controls like multi-factor authentication and embedding secure-by-design principles into digital experiences, making security a seamless part of every interaction. 

How is TAL responding to today’s cyber threat landscape?       

Identity-based attacks are the biggest cyber risk super funds face today. Criminals often exploit the human factor, using social engineering to trick people into revealing credentials or authorising access. 

At TAL, we address this through three key pillars: strong identity and access management, hands-on support to funds during incidents, and proactive risk management through continuous monitoring and testing. 

We work closely with fund partners to secure every member touchpoint ensuring they’re robust, tested and continually improved. We also run education campaigns and share real-time intelligence to strengthen this layered defence.

How does TAL protect member trust, especially during claims?   

When members are lodging a claim, they’re often going through a difficult time. Our digital trust strategy ensures personal information is protected while keeping the process seamless. 

All member data is carefully managed under strict controls and regular audits. We verify identities both ways, making sure members know they’re dealing with TAL and confirming the identity of claimants. Any third-party providers we work with undergo rigorous security checks to uphold these standards. 

Every interaction is safeguarded so members and the funds supporting them can have complete confidence in our processes. 

What emerging trends in cyber risk should partners be aware of, and how can they proactively prepare? 

Identity will remain central in cyber risk. We’re advancing passwordless authentication, passkeys and biometrics to strengthen security while keeping experiences seamless. 

Security is only as strong as the experience. If it’s easy and trusted, people will adopt it; if it’s difficult, they’ll find workarounds that create risk. For funds, staying ahead means investing in innovative security, building awareness across teams, and collaborating closely with partners like TAL. 

Our cyber team remains stable and ready to support partners – even after recent leadership changes within the team – with strong governance in place to ensure continuity. 

You were recently recognised in the Tech Innovator of the Year category at the Women in Wealth Awards. What does that mean to you? 

The award highlights the importance of opportunity and sponsorship in building a career. You’re only as good as the opportunities you’re given, and TAL has embraced female talent, including in technology. I’ve had incredible support to lead meaningful outcomes, and that support enables real impact. 

While I’m proud of the recognition, my focus is on leading a dedicated team in protecting members and encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in technology and cyber security.