Celebrating Women in Fintech: A Spotlight on Trailblazers

This October, The Fintech Times shines a light on the remarkable women making waves in the fintech industry. Despite women representing only about 30% of the workforce in this sector, their contributions are vital in shaping a more inclusive future. We spoke with six inspiring leaders—Yassamin Issapour, Lisa Fischer, Laura Rofe, Nikhita Hyett, Annabelle Thomas, and Lindsay Ross—who are not only excelling in their roles but also championing gender equality and empowerment in fintech.

Yassamin Issapour: CFO and Co-Founder of Agora

Yassamin Issapour, CFO and co-founder of Agora, emphasizes the importance of innovation in fintech. “Fintech is a forward-facing industry that embraces innovation and is committed to improving financial services and society,” she states. Issapour is dedicated to increasing female representation at all levels within her company.

To achieve this, she ensures that all job descriptions are gender-neutral and actively seeks diverse candidates. “Small things can add up to a big change,” she notes, highlighting the importance of a conscious interview process to elevate women into senior management roles.

Issapour also advocates for women to make their voices heard, participating in industry panels to discuss pathways to a gender-neutral future in financial services. “Evidence shows that firms with more women in senior roles outperform their peers,” she adds, reinforcing her commitment to fostering a more equitable workplace.

Lisa Fischer: Chief Growth and Lending Officer at Mission Lane

Lisa Fischer, Chief Growth and Lending Officer at Mission Lane, addresses the underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in fintech. “It’s not enough to just have women in the room. We have to come together to support each other,” she asserts.

In her leadership role, Fischer takes on the responsibility of mentoring women entering the fintech space. “I try to serve as a mentor to share my experience and be a soundboard for those new to the industry,” she explains. She believes that establishing mentorship opportunities is crucial for empowering women and fostering a supportive community.

Laura Rofe: Director of Partner Development at PPRO

Laura Rofe, Director of Partner Development at PPRO, advocates for daily actions to champion women in fintech. “Every action can make a difference,” she insists, emphasizing the need for education on gender equality within the industry.

Rofe is actively involved in initiatives aimed at guiding young women toward careers in fintech. As a trustee for a UK youth charity, she has organized webinars to educate young women about the opportunities in this field. “We don’t all have to be in the ‘spotlight’ to champion change,” she says, highlighting the importance of participation and awareness in creating a more inclusive environment.

Nikhita Hyett: Managing Director, Europe at BlueSnap

Nikhita Hyett, Managing Director for Europe at BlueSnap, understands the significance of mentorship in career progression. “I’ve been lucky to work with some inspiring women who have supported my growth in fintech,” she shares.

Hyett emphasizes the importance of working for companies that prioritize gender equality. “As the European managing director, my position reflects our company culture of equality,” she notes, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue about diversity in the workplace.

Annabelle Thomas: Customer Support Manager at Token.io

Annabelle Thomas, Customer Support Manager at Token.io, believes in treating all colleagues equally, regardless of gender. “I ensure my team has equal access to learning and development opportunities,” she explains.

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for Thomas, who encourages open communication about concerns related to discrimination. She actively seeks to maintain gender diversity in her team and collaborates with HR to attract diverse candidates during recruitment.

Lindsay Ross: CHRO at Bitpanda

Lindsay Ross, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bitpanda, acknowledges the traditionally masculine nature of the investment world. “We want to spearhead change in the entire industry,” she states.

At Bitpanda, Ross is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Through initiatives like the “Women in Tech Mentorship Programme,” she aims to empower women to take charge of their career growth. “It’s important that we all do more to encourage women to speak up for themselves,” she emphasizes, reinforcing the belief that women belong in any industry they choose.

These six women exemplify the spirit of change and empowerment in the fintech industry. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a call to action for others to join the movement toward greater gender equality in the workplace.