Celebrating Women in Fintech: October Highlights from The Fintech Times
This October, The Fintech Times is dedicating its spotlight to the remarkable women who are making waves in the fintech industry. As we delve into their achievements, challenges, and the pathways they are forging for future generations, it becomes clear that while progress has been made in reducing the gender gap, the journey toward true representation and equality is ongoing.
The Current Landscape of Women in Fintech
Despite notable advancements, the fintech sector still grapples with significant gender disparities. According to the EY Women in Fintech Report 2023, there remains a pressing need for initiatives that not only promote gender diversity but also empower women to take on leadership roles. This October, we aim to highlight the influential contributions of women in fintech and the support systems available to aspiring professionals.
Valuable Opportunities for Growth
Niki Cooke, Chief Revenue Officer at the Financial Technology Research Centre (FTRC), emphasizes the expanding landscape of support for women in fintech. She notes that various accelerators, programs, and organizations are now offering invaluable opportunities.
“Prominent fintech accelerators like the FinTech Innovation Lab, Barclays Accelerator, and Cohere Technologies serve as crucial sources of mentorship and essential resources,” Cooke explains. She advocates for mentoring programs, highlighting their dual benefits for both mentors and mentees.
Organizations such as the WIF Network provide women-focused platforms for networking and mentorship, fostering supportive communities. Cooke encourages women to engage in networking events, join online communities, and explore regional initiatives as pathways to success in the fintech industry.
The Power of Online Communities
Andrea Berry, Head of Business Development at Theta Labs, underscores the importance of online communities in today’s interconnected world. “Communities and relationships do not depend on real-life experiences,” she states, pointing to the vibrant online ecosystems that exist, particularly in the web3 space.
Berry shares her admiration for the World of Women community, which, despite her not being a holder of their NFTs, has inspired her through its openness and passion. She advises women to explore online platforms like LinkedIn and Discord, where communities such as “Ladies Get Paid” champion women’s professional and financial advancement. “Consistent participation in these communities can yield unexpected rewards,” she adds.
Cultivating an Inclusive Culture
Nancy Sansom, Chief Commercial Officer at Versapay, offers a different perspective on fostering inclusivity. She argues that while special programs for women are well-intentioned, they often overlook the reality of women’s commitments at home and work.
“What I look for is a company culture that is results-oriented,” Sansom explains. Such cultures prioritize performance over traditional working hours, allowing for greater flexibility. She emphasizes the importance of supportive management that treats employees as professionals, enabling them to balance work and family responsibilities.
Sansom also highlights the need for women to support one another, urging both men and women in business to foster a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one.
The Importance of Showing Up
Bhumi Bhutani, co-founder of Way.com, stresses the importance of visibility in the fintech industry. “Women should take full advantage of joining any activities of industry conferences and boards where possible,” she advises. By actively participating, women can expand their networks and gain insights into industry practices.
Bhutani encourages women to carve out time for these engagements, emphasizing that the connections made and knowledge gained can significantly enhance their careers in fintech.
Driving Fintech’s Future
Lissele Pratt, co-founder of Capitalixe, highlights the emergence of supportive networks that can propel women’s careers in fintech. She points to communities like ‘Women of FinTech’ and ‘The Heard’ as essential spaces for connection and collaboration.
“For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, initiatives like Invest Engine’s partnership with FemaleInvest and Wirex’s ‘Rising Women in Crypto Power List’ offer the boost needed to shine in fintech,” Pratt explains. She emphasizes the importance of providing resources, mentorship, and recognition to women who are shaping the industry.
Pratt also mentions collaborations like Tide and Mastercard’s Strive UK program, which equip women with essential digital skills, underscoring the dynamic era of opportunities available for women in fintech.
This October, as we celebrate the achievements of women in fintech, it’s clear that the industry is evolving. With the support of established leaders and vibrant communities, aspiring women in fintech are finding their voices and paving the way for future generations. The journey toward equality continues, and together, we can drive the fintech industry forward.