Championing Women in Fintech: Insights from Industry Leaders

This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women comprising around 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 others. Here, we hear from six inspiring leaders—Elma Saric, Louisa Murray, Shail Deep, Marieke Flament, Elisabeth Beller, and Aliya Sadeque—who share their experiences and advice on managing financial goals and personal expectations.

Elma Saric: Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystems Manager, Raiffeisen Bank International

Elma Saric emphasizes the importance of mentorship in overcoming the challenges faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Reflecting on her early career, she recalls the intimidation of competing with older male colleagues. However, she credits her success to the mentors who guided her through these hurdles.

“Working in banking can be daunting for young women,” Elma notes. “But having mentors who believe in you can make all the difference.” She recounts a pivotal moment when a female superior dedicated time to discuss challenges and aspirations, reinforcing the value of inspirational connections in the workplace.

Elma also highlights the significance of finding an employer that fosters equality and diversity. At Raiffeisen Bank International, she appreciates the commitment to supporting women’s growth. Her role involves collaborating with startups and fintechs, allowing her to connect with the community and understand their needs.

“Hosting events like the Startup Revolution: Women Transforming the Industries is vital for creating a space where female professionals can share their expertise and insights,” she adds.

Louisa Murray: Chief Operating Officer (UK and Europe), Railsbank

Louisa Murray shares her journey in a male-dominated environment, reflecting on the challenges she faced in the 1980s when aspiring to be a financial trader. “I was actively discouraged from applying for roles on the trading floor,” she recalls. “But being told I couldn’t do something only fueled my determination.”

At Railsbank, Louisa is proud of the gender balance within the company, noting that the founders were committed to achieving an equal male-to-female ratio. “We focus on candidates’ abilities rather than their backgrounds or gender,” she explains.

Louisa’s advice for women entering the workforce is straightforward: “Be yourself, do your research, and understand that career paths can be winding.” She encourages women to embrace their unique value and to approach job applications with confidence.

Shail Deep: Chief Product Officer at TransUnion UK

Shail Deep addresses the lack of female role models in STEM fields, a challenge she encountered during her education and early career. “Less than 5% of my engineering class were women,” she shares. “It’s crucial for us to mentor and sponsor other women to help them realize their potential.”

At TransUnion, Shail is part of a leadership team that is 40% female and actively participates in initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity by 2030. She highlights the importance of support networks, stating, “With the right support structure, women can balance family and career without having to choose one over the other.”

Shail also champions programs like Girls Into Tech, which encourages young girls to explore careers in technology. “We need to inspire the next generation and support women currently in the industry to aim high,” she asserts.

Marieke Flament: CEO of Mettle

Marieke Flament emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their worth in the workplace. “We often struggle with negotiating salaries,” she admits, sharing a personal experience of discovering she was paid significantly less than a male peer for the same role. “This realization was a turning point for me.”

Marieke encourages women to invest in themselves and seek help when needed. “Paying for assistance, whether it’s for childcare or cleaning, allows you to focus on personal growth and what truly matters,” she advises. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to pursue an MBA, which she considers one of her best investments.

Elisabeth Beller: Senior Vice President of Client Services at 3Pillar Global

Elisabeth Beller highlights the different ways men and women perceive job opportunities. “Women often feel they need to meet every qualification before applying, while men may only consider a fraction,” she explains. She encourages women to believe in their capabilities and take risks.

In her role at 3Pillar Global, Elisabeth advises clients to set clear financial goals and measure progress early. “Defining your expected outcome is crucial,” she states. “For personal finances, contributing to a 401K early can lead to significant long-term benefits.”

Aliya Sadeque: Senior Director CRM Ecosystems at Zafin

Aliya Sadeque shares her journey of financial literacy, starting with small, pre-authorized payments from her paycheck. “I wanted to invest thoughtfully, focusing on socially and environmentally conscious portfolios,” she explains. With guidance from a friend, she became adept at self-directed investing.

Aliya’s experience underscores the importance of being proactive about financial goals. “Investing in your future doesn’t have to start big; it can begin with small, consistent actions,” she advises.

These women exemplify resilience, leadership, and the power of mentorship in the fintech industry. Their insights not only inspire but also provide actionable advice for women navigating their careers and financial aspirations.