Celebrating Women in Fintech: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women making up only about 30% of the fintech workforce, it’s crucial to recognize those who have not only reached the top but have also paved the way for future generations. Here, we hear from six inspiring leaders—Vivienne Hsu, Rakefet Russak Aminoach, Nabilah Hussain, Sarah Walker, Lili Metodieva, and Ioana Frincu—who share their journeys of smashing the glass ceiling.

Vivienne Hsu, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Sokin

Vivienne Hsu’s ascent to the role of Managing Director was a transformative experience, not just for her but for those around her. She recalls being approached by women who found inspiration in her position as a young female leader. “I became someone others could relate to,” she says, emphasizing the importance of representation. Initially grappling with imposter syndrome, Hsu learned to trust her abilities and embrace her role.

She highlights that breaking the glass ceiling is not solely an individual endeavor; it’s about the collective support of those around you. “Having a glass ceiling to break is a privilege,” she notes, stressing the need for access to opportunities. Hsu advocates for creating pathways for the next generation, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

Rakefet Russak Aminoach, Managing Partner, Team8

Rakefet Russak Aminoach’s career is defined by her commitment to challenging the status quo. As the former President & CEO of Leumi, Israel’s largest banking group, she faced skepticism in a male-dominated environment. “I was energised by the potential of technology as a disruptor,” she recalls, positioning herself as an agent of change.

Her journey involved transforming legacy systems and advocating for a digital-first strategy, despite resistance. “Successful transformations do not happen if ego gets in the way,” she asserts. Under her leadership, Leumi became a leader in innovation, and today, as a Managing Partner at Team8, she continues to redefine the fintech landscape.

Nabilah Hussain, Head of Financial Crime, 3S Money

Nabilah Hussain’s upbringing in a single-parent household with three sisters instilled in her the values of hard work and ambition. “My mother was a strong, independent role model,” she reflects, attributing much of her success to the lessons learned from her childhood.

Now an advocate for female empowerment, Hussain emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “I strive to channel these values in my professional life,” she says, aiming to influence a culture that promotes inclusivity and growth. As Head of Financial Crime at 3S Money, she leads by example, demonstrating the impact of strong female leadership.

Sarah Walker, VP of Engineering, Ribbon

Sarah Walker’s journey in tech began with the realization that she was often the only woman in the room. “I shifted my focus to product roles,” she explains, but eventually returned to engineering, where she recognized the need for a women’s network.

As a founding member of Chief, a network for women leaders, Walker has dedicated her career to fostering opportunities for others. “I built leadership teams that were at least 50% female,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to mentorship and inclusivity. In her current role at Ribbon, she implements recruiting practices that prioritize diversity and mission-driven traits, empowering women to break barriers.

Lili Metodieva, Managing Director, Monneo

With over 15 years in eCommerce and fintech, Lili Metodieva has faced her share of challenges. “I always had to put in extra work to reach the same level as my peers,” she admits, noting that representation of women in fintech still hovers around 20%.

Metodieva attributes her success to a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to her goals. “I made a conscious choice not to accept tokenism,” she states, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of one’s career. Celebrating successes, both personal and collective, is vital for growth, she believes.

Ioana Frincu, CTO of EQIFI

Ioana Frincu began her career while still in college, eager to gain experience. “I realized I had three options to advance my career,” she explains, ultimately choosing entrepreneurship. Her journey in the crypto industry was marked by perseverance in a predominantly male environment.

Frincu emphasizes the importance of setting personal objectives and creating one’s own context for success. “Not looking or acting like the stereotype is challenging,” she acknowledges, but she believes that making oneself available for opportunities is crucial. Through networking and supporting others, she has built a reputation in the fintech space, demonstrating that breaking glass ceilings requires both individual effort and community support.

These women exemplify resilience, ambition, and the power of community in the fintech industry. Their stories serve as a reminder that while the journey may be challenging, the path they’ve forged is one that future generations can follow.