Celebrating Women in Fintech: A Spotlight on Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to the Powerlist
In the dynamic world of fintech, women are making significant strides, yet their representation in leadership roles remains a challenge. Innovate Finance, an independent not-for-profit body representing the UK’s fintech ecosystem, has taken a commendable step to highlight this issue through its annual Women in Fintech Powerlist. Now in its seventh year, the 2021 edition recognizes 250 remarkable women across various categories, showcasing their contributions to innovation in financial services.
The Importance of Representation
Despite the progress made in female workforce participation over the past few decades, women continue to be underrepresented in senior management and leadership roles within finance and technology sectors. A recent report by FT Partners underscores this disparity, revealing ongoing trends that highlight the need for increased female representation in these fields. The Powerlist serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the impact women can have in shaping the future of fintech.
Categories of Recognition
The Powerlist categorizes its honorees into nine distinct groups, each representing a unique facet of the fintech landscape:
- Senior Leaders
- Rising Stars
- Professionals in Financial Services
- Technology Professionals
- Policymakers and Regulatory Experts
- Investors
- Marketers and Communicators
This structured approach not only celebrates established leaders but also shines a light on emerging talent, ensuring a comprehensive representation of women in fintech.
Spotlight on Marketing and Communications Experts
Among the honorees, several women have made significant contributions in marketing, PR, and communications within the fintech sector. Here are a few standout profiles:
Ani Petrova, Founder of AP Marketing Solutions
Ani Petrova has carved a niche for herself as the founder of AP Marketing Solutions, a boutique consultancy specializing in fintech marketing. Her journey began at Arkk Solutions, where she played a pivotal role in marketing for one of the UK’s fastest-growing regtech startups. Her experience spans notable firms like Saxo Bank and Allianz Global Investors, where she honed her skills in product marketing and digital strategy.
Anna Panayi, Product Marketing Manager at Claro Money
As the product marketing manager at Claro Money, Anna Panayi focuses on user-centric product development. With a background at JP Morgan, she excels in defining product strategy and managing cross-functional teams. Her ability to leverage data and customer insights has been instrumental in launching successful consumer-facing products.
Becci Furnell, Head of Global Press Office at Open Banking Excellence
Becci Furnell leads the global press office for Open Banking Excellence, utilizing her decade-long experience in management and communications. Her advocacy for invisible illnesses through her #MyInvisibleProject on Instagram showcases her commitment to social issues, alongside her professional achievements.
Caroline Vaughan, Head of External Affairs and PR at Minna Technologies
Caroline Vaughan’s role at Minna Technologies involves enhancing communication strategies for retail banks. Her previous experience at Innovate Finance and her diverse background in sales and PR have equipped her to navigate the complexities of fintech communications effectively.
Christy Fung, Global Lead of Customer Success at Checkout.com
Christy Fung’s innovative approach at Checkout.com has positioned her as a change agent in the fintech space. With experience at major companies like Expedia and PayPal, she has a proven track record of scaling new business models and optimizing products, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.
Courteney Way, Marketing Director at Funding Options
With a decade of experience, Courteney Way has been instrumental in helping startups and scaleups design and execute marketing strategies. Her expertise in integrated marketing and demand generation has driven significant growth for Funding Options, a marketplace for business financing.
Elise Brown, Marketing Director at Anthemis Group
Elise Brown oversees marketing for Anthemis Group, a leading venture capital firm. Her extensive background in financial marketing has earned her recognition as an Inspiring Fintech Female, and her insights have been featured in various industry publications.
Emily Thomas, UK Consumer PR Lead at Klarna
As the UK Consumer PR Lead for Klarna, Emily Thomas brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications. Her previous roles in major corporations have equipped her with the skills to navigate the complexities of the financial services industry.
Georgie Scott, Head of Brand and Partnerships at Wagestream
Georgie Scott’s role at Wagestream involves creating partnerships that enhance employee financial well-being. Her diverse marketing background spans various industries, making her a versatile leader in the fintech space.
Harriet Allner, Fintech Director at Common Industry
Harriet Allner specializes in PR and digital marketing strategies for fintechs with a social purpose. Her previous experience at Starling Bank has given her a unique perspective on brand identity and market positioning.
Isha Chander, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Isha Chander leads marketing for JP Morgan’s payment division in EMEA. Her extensive experience in developing data-driven campaigns has positioned her as a leader in driving customer acquisition and retention.
Lucy Heavens, Chief Marketing Officer at 10x Banking
With over 20 years of marketing experience, Lucy Heavens is recognized for her thought leadership in fintech and digital transformation. Her role at 10x Banking involves crafting the company’s marketing strategy to support its growth objectives.
Nicola Cowburn, Founder and Managing Director of Finarama Marketing
Nicola Cowburn is an award-winning marketer with over 25 years of experience. Her work with scaleup fintech startups has made her a recognized thought leader in the industry, and she has been featured in various influencer lists.
Payal Raina, Founder of Fintech B2B Marketing
Payal Raina’s contributions to the fintech marketing community are significant. As the global head of marketing at Torstone Technology, she oversees comprehensive marketing initiatives while also mentoring aspiring marketers.
Rachel Kerrone, Director of Brand and Marketing at Starling Bank
Rachel Kerrone’s expertise in brand strategy and integrated marketing campaigns has played a crucial role in Starling Bank’s success as a digital challenger bank.
Sarah Aird-Mash, Former Head of EMEA Marketing at Currencycloud
Sarah Aird-Mash has a rich background in market strategy and digital engagement, having worked with major companies like eBay and Google. Her insights into the fintech landscape are invaluable.
Conclusion
The Women in Fintech Powerlist not only celebrates the achievements of these remarkable women but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality in the fintech sector. As these leaders continue to innovate and inspire, they pave the way for future generations of women in finance and technology.