Celebrating Women in Fintech: A Spotlight on Progress and Challenges

This October, The Fintech Times is dedicated to illuminating the remarkable contributions of women in the fintech industry. As we delve into their achievements, challenges, and the pathways they forge for future generations, it becomes clear that while strides have been made, the journey toward true gender equality is ongoing.

The Current Landscape: Progress and Representation

Despite notable advancements in reducing the gender gap, the fintech sector still grapples with achieving full representation. According to a recent report by EY, the industry continues to evolve, yet there remains a significant distance to cover before we can celebrate true equality.

To gain insights into this evolution, we reached out to influential women leaders in fintech, asking them to reflect on their experiences and the changes they’ve witnessed throughout their careers.

A Stark Difference: Ava Kelly’s Perspective

Ava Kelly, Chief Product Officer at Thredd, shared her observations on the transformation within the financial services landscape over the past 25 years.

“It’s constantly changing,” she remarked. “The financial services industry twenty-five years ago is starkly different from today, which is terrific. The innovation driving new payment solutions has created a diverse ecosystem, offering a broader array of roles for both men and women.”

Ava emphasized the increasing presence of women in senior positions across various sectors, from engineering to corporate partnerships. However, she acknowledged that there is still room for growth, particularly in leadership roles like Chief Product Officer. “I love my role at Thredd, and I encourage others to pursue similar paths,” she added, highlighting the importance of female representation in leadership.

Industry Growth: Louise Lunn’s Insights

Louise Lunn, Vice President of Global Analytics Delivery at FICO, reflected on the significant growth of the fintech industry over the last few decades.

“Having joined the industry as a graduate over 25 years ago, I’ve seen a remarkable expansion,” she noted. “This growth has opened various opportunities, but challenges related to diversity and inclusion persist.”

Louise pointed out the positive shift in awareness around diversity, with many fintech companies now recognizing the importance of diverse teams that mirror their customer demographics. She encouraged aspiring professionals to seek out companies that prioritize these values, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement in fostering diversity.

A Culture of Inclusivity: Sylvia To’s Experience

Sylvia To, Manager at Bullish, shared her journey in an industry that has become increasingly inclusive.

“When I started, the conversation around diversity wasn’t as pronounced,” she recalled. “Now, we see a notable increase in women’s representation on industry panels, which is a meaningful stride toward inclusivity.”

Sylvia highlighted her recent experience on a balanced-gender panel, underscoring the industry’s commitment to diverse voices. She noted that organizations are beginning to implement policies that foster equitable workplaces, recognizing the value that diversity brings to innovation.

Path to Success: Andrea Berry’s Journey

Andrea Berry, Head of Business Development at Theta Labs, reflected on her early career experiences, particularly the resilience she developed as a woman in a male-dominated environment.

“Working in the NBA, I normalized the challenges I faced simply because I had no other experience to compare it to,” she shared. “Now, I focus on mentoring younger women in my network, sharing my experiences to help them navigate similar challenges.”

Andrea praised the web3 space for its commitment to inclusivity, contrasting it with traditional industries that often define success through established pathways. “Web3 embraces a decentralized ethos, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds,” she noted, highlighting the promise of this new frontier.

Greater Challenges: Suki Gao’s Perspective

Suki Gao, Co-founder and China GM of 40Seas, discussed the evolving landscape of the cross-border financial industry.

“Over the past decade, the industry has become more inclusive, valuing diverse experiences beyond traditional finance backgrounds,” she explained. However, Suki also acknowledged the greater challenges that come with evolving customer expectations and intensified competition.

“To stay relevant, continuous learning and innovation are essential,” she emphasized, underscoring the dynamic nature of the fintech sector.

A Collective Journey Toward Equality

As we celebrate the achievements of women in fintech this October, it’s clear that while progress has been made, the journey toward gender equality is far from complete. The insights shared by these leaders highlight the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, supporting one another, and continuously striving for a more equitable industry.

Through their stories, we see not only the challenges faced but also the resilience and determination that define the future of women in fintech.