Prior to taking up her position in UL, Orla worked in as a quantitative analyst with Securitisation Arrangers Euro Capital Structures (UBM). Prior to that she was part of an innovative team modelling the credit risk of structured products within the fixed income division of BNP Paribas in London. Orla also has extensive experience in market risk modelling and middle-office systems development within Bank of Ireland's treasury management.

Orla has a first class honours in Pure and Applied Mathematics and a Masters degree in Finance from Queen's University, Belfast. Orla's key teaching and research interests lie in the field of risk modelling. She is currently undertaking a programme of study leading to a doctorate.